Training in care homes reduces prescription of harmful anti-psychotics to people with dementia by a third

An innovative training programme for care home staff has cut the use of inappropriate anti-psychotic drugs, which double the risk of death in people with dementia, by a third.

This is according to research commissioned by Alzheimer's Society and launched today (Thursday 3 July 2014).

Over 100 care homes were recruited to receive the Focused Intervention Training and Support (FITS) programme – which equips staff to understand complex behaviours in people with dementia and to deliver person-centred care as an alternative to harmfulantipsychotics. When medication was reviewed, residents were more alert, communicative and active, with improvements in mobility, eating, sleeping and in achieving personal goals.

Around 90 per cent of people with dementia will experience behavioural and psychological symptoms at some point. Often, people in care homes experiencing these symptoms are prescribed antipsychotic drugs as a first resort. For someone with dementia, antipsychotic drugs can worsen dementia symptoms, double the risk of death, treble the risk of stroke and can leave people unable to walk and talk.

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Dementia sufferers are ‘cut adrift’ after diagnosis warning

Dementia patients are being “cut adrift” after diagnosis, a charity has warned, with one patient claiming they received no more support than if they had been suffering tonsillitis.

The Alzheimer’s Society said there was a “desperate shortage” of information for people following diagnosis, and raised concerns that some patients were receiving news of their condition in hurried, insensitive consultations.

In a survey of nearly 400 people affected by dementia, the charity found one in five were given no information or support after diagnosis, while 90 per cent said they were “dissatisfied” with the amount of advice they received about their condition and support services. The charity also warned over diagnosis rates for dementia, which remain “unacceptably” low, despite small rises since David Cameron made improved dementia diagnosis a priority two years ago.

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PM boosts dementia research as early onset could be three times more common than thought

Early onset dementia could be three times more common than had been thought.

Some 17,000 under-65s are recognised to suffer from it and even those in their 20s can become victims.

The figures, from the Alzheimer’s Society, come as charities say another 34,000 may have been misdiagnosed or not suspect they have dementia.

It is often confused with depression or the menopause.The warning comes as Prime Minister David Cameron announced a £100million boost for dementia research this week in partnership with ­Alzheimer’s Research UK.

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Technology could help people with dementia remain in their homes

Voting for dementia in the Longitude Prize could help revolutionise care.



Dementia affects an increasing number of people: in 2012, 800,000 people in the UK had a form of dementia. The cost to the British economy, estimated at £23bn a year by the Alzheimer's Society, is now greater than cancer, strokes and heart disease combined. Finding a solution that can both alleviate the pressures on society and allow people with dementia to live with dignity is crucial; this is why it should win the public vote to decide the focus of the Longitude prize 2014.

Recent stories in the media about the quality of care provided to the elderly have highlighted that there is still a lack of understanding and even empathy when caring for those with dementia. The Care Quality Commission has shown that care across England is patchy at best and in need of improvement. With the NHS struggling to cope with increasing numbers of people with dementia, a greater burden is being placed on the role of family carers in providing support.

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Artist in residence at Stanfield Nursing Home until the end of September

Ann who will become an Artist in residence until the end of September.

Ann Bennett. B.A Honors Fine Art. BCU. 2013.

“My work explores through photography, drawing and painting the themes of childhood, family and the individual child.

These themes are timeless and universal, connecting us all through experience and memory, exploring diversity and individuality.”

www.ann-bennett.co.uk

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