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Alzheimer's Disease / Conditions / Dementia 5 May, 2019

How does a person die from dementia?

Can dementia kill? Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just make you forgetful. It’s a serious, progressive condition which is, eventually, terminal. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have now overtaken heart disease to become the leading cause of death in England and Wales. The brain is responsible for more than thought, memory and understanding. It controls our …

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Carer Tips / Dementia 1 May, 2019

Managing incontinence in people with dementia

What is incontinence? Incontinence is the term used to describe any accidental or involuntary loss of urine or faeces. The degree to which a person is incontinent can vary from a ‘small leak’ to complete loss of control over the bladder and bowels. Incontinence becomes much more common as we age. More than 2.5 million …

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Dementia 26 Apr, 2019

Hormone replacement therapy and dementia

A recent study linked HRT with slight increased risk of developing dementia – but experts are telling women not to panic about the research. What is HRT? HRT or hormone replacement therapy is an important treatment for the unpleasant symptoms of the menopause in women. The levels of female hormones, like oestrogen, are lower in …

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Dementia 25 Apr, 2019

Rapidly progressive dementia

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. The speed of deterioration differs between individuals. Age, general health and the underlying disease causing brain damage will all affect the pattern of progression. However, for some people the decline can be sudden and rapid. The deterioration of dementia is usually slow and …

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Arthritis / Conditions 20 Apr, 2019

Why Arthritis Hurts

Pain in arthritis is caused by mechanical stimuli – as the joint is damaged, thermal stimuli – as friction and swelling causes heat, and chemical stimuli – as tissue damage causes chemicals in the joint to change. What causes pain? Pain is caused when your senses detect harm to your body. This detection causes neurons …

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Conditions / Dementia / Stroke 20 Apr, 2019

Stroke and Dementia

For an average of 1 in 3 people, stroke and dementia are linked. The symptoms of dementia are caused by the injury to the brain, which happens during a stroke. Many people instantly think of Alzheimer’s disease when they consider dementia, but Alzheimer’s is not the only cause of the condition. In around 20% of …

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Alzheimer's Disease / Dementia / Health 3 Apr, 2019

What’s the life expectancy for someone with dementia?

Each person will have an individual experience of dementia. The speed and pattern of progression of the disease can differ-but the condition is progressive and will get worse over time. Sadly, dementia will limit the life expectancy of the person affected; the condition has now overtaken heart disease as the leading cause of death in …

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Dementia / Health 2 Apr, 2019

Cognitive remediation and reminiscence therapy

Scientists are still fighting to find a cure for dementia. Frustratingly, a way to reverse the brain damage caused remains elusive; however, there are ways of improving function and wellbeing. Specialised therapeutic techniques have been developed, which may help unlock memories, improve function and boost wellbeing in people living with dementia. The names of the …

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Dementia / Elderly Parents 26 Mar, 2019

Fluid and diet management in dementia

Poor appetite, problems with food preparation, depression and difficulties with swallowing or chewing can make it a challenge for people with dementia to get the nutrition they need. Weight loss and dehydration can be a problem, especially in advanced disease, which can make your loved one frail and vulnerable to illness and infections. Food and …

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Dementia / Elderly Parents 14 Mar, 2019

Managing wandering in dementia

When an individual with dementia wanders, they’re at risk of accidents, injuries and even death. Wandering is defined as: ‘A tendency to move about either in a seemingly aimless or disoriented fashion, or in pursuit of an indefinable or unobtainable goal.’ Confusion, disorientation, boredom and loneliness can all precipitate wandering in someone affected by dementia. …

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