Did you know that people living with dementia have, on average 4.6 other long-term serious health conditions, such as stroke, diabetes and sight problems?

Researchers in the University of Hertfordshire’s have been looking at ways to improve the organisation and delivery of health care services for people with dementia who also have other medical conditions.

The findings - from the CoDem study - suggest that people living with dementia may have poorer access to health services than those without dementia. The report’s authors have made a number of recommendations for ways in which the organisation and delivery of health care services for people living with dementia can be improved.

Findings from the study have informed a recent All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia and Comorbidity - and led to further research around the management of diabetes in people with dementia.

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Aaagh – my team did have a name – the CareShield Walkers. My only excuse is that I haven’t been in the office much during the past couple of weeks.  I’m sure Gloria and Leno - and the dog - told me but I obviously failed to take it in.  We’re all really looking forward to our team walk (whichever distance we finally agree on, as we’re still in negotiations) but the dog wants to be the sponsored point of contact.

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The stress of day-to-day care, watching your loved one's health deteriorate and having to make difficult decisions about long-term care can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.  No matter how strong and resiliant you are, you're still likely to have problems with certain aspects of dementia/Alzheimer's care.  Recognising the signs of caregiver stress and burnout is the first step to dealing with the problem.  

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People with dementia may sometimes behave aggressively, either physically or verbally, and this can be very distressing for the person and for their carer, family and friends.

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People with dementia/Alzheimer’s can often find the environment confusing as they lose the ability to remember people, places, dates and objects.  Therefore, part of the care you provide them with should include helping them to find ways to locate objects and remember those around them.

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Do you know the difference between them?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a number of brain disorders resulting in a loss of brain function. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.

• In the UK over 850,000 people suffer with dementia
• 62% of these are diagnosed with Alzheimer's
• This is forecast to increase to over 1 million by 2025
• Two-thirds of the cost is paid by the person and their families

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 “Never believe that just a few caring people can’t change the world, for indeed, that’s all who ever have” - Margaret Mead

Dementia is becoming increasingly prevalent and with it, the need for leaders to rise up and become advocates for the sufferers who have no voice. 

There are around 800,000 people with dementia in the UK. The disease costs the economy £23 billion a year and by 2040, the number of people affected is expected to double - and the costs are likely to treble.

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