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Classic movies could bring back lost memories for dementia sufferers

Based on an interactive multimedia computer system and a clearer understanding of how dementia sufferers respond to social situations, the aid aims to stimulate more enjoyable, rewarding conversation between sufferers and those who care for them.

15 Jun 2005

New training course launched to help improve dementia care

The Alzheimer’s Society has launched the first nationally accredited training course aimed at improving the quality of care given to people with dementia.

23 Apr 2005

Cancer forces tens of thousands into poverty

A survey revealed today by Macmillan Cancer Relief shows that up to three-quarters of cancer patients suffer from financial hardship.

9 Nov 2004

New research into psychotropic drugs

Issues surrounding the prescription of psychotropic drugs for people with learning difficulties are highlighted in a newly completed research project, Medication Matters, by Dr Jackie Rodgers and colleagues at the Norah Fry Research Centre at the University of Bristol.

1 Nov 2004

Carers of dementing family members can exacerbate the dementing patient’s problematic behaviour

During her doctoral research, De Vugt identified three strategies that care-providing family members adopt to approach the dementing patient. The 'supportive strategy', in which the carer adjusts to the patient's level of functioning, is the most effective. Equally a 'caring strategy', in which the carer considers the patient to be more like a child, gives rise to little restlessness in the patient.

11 Oct 2004

Australia’s first breastfeeding friendly university

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) accredited UQ as a breastfeeding friendly organisation after reviewing its breastfeeding facilities and policies.

2 Aug 2004

Guidance on providing advice on sex education to young people under the age of sixteen

British doctors and health professionals will be sent new, clearer guidance on providing advice on contraception, sexual and reproductive health and treatments to young people under the age of sixteen.

2 Aug 2004

Serious medical consequences of smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted disease require decisive leadership

The Royal College of Physicians’ response to the consultation document ‘Choosing Health?’ says that the serious medical consequences of smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted disease require decisive leadership and action by Government.

2 Jul 2004

Dual Purpose leaflet on Dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: issues around working partnership between carers and psychiatrists is the title of the new Partners in Care campaign leaflet.

1 Jul 2004

Carers' Week helps make the UK's six million carers aware that help is there for them

Feelings of isolation are commonly experienced by carers and Macmillan's Befriending schemes are set up to tackle this. They link carers with volunteers to provide one-to-one friendship and emotional support, information and advice.

15 Jun 2004

Scientists aim to develop an intelligent robotic wheelchair

Researchers from the Department of Computer Science will work alongside scientists from the Institute of Automation at Beijing in developing the advanced technology needed for a high performance, low cost RoboChair which will enable the elderly and disabled to gain increased mobility and live more independently.

20 May 2004

Technology will help as world's population over 60 doubles

It's just a collection of bloody nuts and bolts." That was the damning reaction of a 69-year-old resident at a Scottish nursing home - let's call him William Brown - when asked if he would like a robotic pet as a companion to help relieve his boredom and loneliness. But once he realised that the robot could play games with him, he quickly changed his mind.

15 May 2004

Elderly patient dies from the wrong drug

An 86-year-old Australian woman died after a senior nurse at her aged care centre administered the wrong drug, a Victorian coroner found today.

24 Apr 2004

Study tracks behaviour changes in Alzheimer sufferers

Alzheimer’s sufferers are having their DNA measured and behaviour monitored to pinpoint who is most at risk from developing behaviour problems from dementia.

24 Mar 2004