Depression can contribute to onset of Alzheimer's disease, study finds

Rapid decline in thinking and memory skills increased when the elderly suffer from depression, study finds.

Loneliness and loss of appetite could contribute to Alzheimer's disease, scientists have warned.

In the first study to establish the relationship between depressive symptoms, such as feeling of loneliness, and dementia, experts claimed to have shown a link between depression and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The rapid decline in thinking and memory skills associated with MCI, which is known to contribute to Alzheimer's, are increased when the elderly suffer from depression.

Common symptoms of depression in the elderly, such as loneliness and loss of appetite, could serve as warning signs that they are at risk of MCI and Alzheimer's.

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Older people are more scared of dementia than cancer, poll finds

Two thirds of people over 50 are scared of developing dementia, while just one in 10 were frightened about getting cancer.

Older people are more fearful of developing dementia than they are of cancer, a poll has suggested.

Two thirds of people over the age of 50 fear that they will develop the condition, while just one in 10 said they were frightened about getting cancer.

Just under four per cent said they were frightened about getting a heart condition and less than one per cent were concerned about developing diabetes, according to a survey of 500 adults aged over 50 from across the UK who were asked which condition they feared most.

There are around 800,000 people with dementia in the UK but as the population ages, this figure is expected to soar in coming years.

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Dementia signage and visual aids are crucial within care homes

For adults experiencing memory loss, the ability of the brain to remain visually engaged with interior surroundings is well documented as being crucial for enhancing daily living potential.

As outlined by University of Stirling research, “The care environment can be made more supportive and enabling with quite simple additions. The first is to make sure that what is important is highly visible.”

Nostalgic advertising

Inspired to make such an impact by drawing upon their strong company heritage, the worldwide-recognised food brand Nestlé has produced a range of reminiscence packs as an example of how care environments can be enhanced to inspire memory and nostalgia.

Compelled by voices within the care sector, the company has teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Society and produced a range of prints that will remind many older people of past decades.

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Stanfield Nursing Home Project - Week 8

The substructure masonry has been constructed and the beam and block floor installed. The demolition of the existing roof is taking place and the external and internal walls are being constructed, as seen in the below photo’s.