Author Archives: Maureen

Campaign to increase early diagnosis of dementia

A new campaign which aims to increase early diagnosis rates for dementia in the East of England by tackling the public’s fears of talking about the condition, has been launched.

 

By KIM BRISCOE, Health correspondent Friday, September 21, 2012
6:30 AM

 

The A Day to Remember campaign by the Department of Health is being backed by Sir Michael Parkinson, Fiona Phillips and Gordon Banks, who are all adding their support by asking the public not to delay talking about dementia.

Part of the prime minister’s Challenge on Dementia, the campaign will encourage people to have that first ‘difficult conversation’ with a friend or family member when they spot the signs and symptoms of dementia, and encourage them to visit their GP.

Terminally ill girl ‘faces benefits axe’

Alice Pyne, Terminally Ill Blogger Behind Alice’s Bucket List, In Benefits Row

20/09/2012 22:29 BST

Terminally ill internet star Alice Pyne has been told that her mother’s child benefit could be taken away unless she goes to college.

Alice, 16, came to international prominence when a list of the things she wants to do before she dies was posted on the internet last year.

Alice and her sister Milly, 13, from Ulverston in south Cumbria, also received the British Empire Medal this year for services to charity after raising more than £100,000.

alice pyrne

Alice meeting prime minister David Cameron
A spokesman for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said every parent whose child would be turning 16 automatically gets a letter saying that their child benefits would be stopped unless the child continued full-time “non-advanced” education or started an “approved” training course.

The spokesman said although he could not give specific details about Alice’s child benefit payments, her case was now being investigated by the HMRC and her parents are being contacted.

“We are contacting her parents just to find out what the circumstances are in this case,” he said.

Dementia care services need ‘radical overhaul’ in Scotland

ALZHEIMER Scotland wants to see a co-ordinator appointed to oversee the health and care of dementia patients.

18 Sep 2012 09:19

CARE services for people with dementia need a radical overhaul, Alzheimer Scotland has said.

Many of Scotland’s estimated 84,000 sufferers do not receive the coordinated health and social support that is vital to help them live in the community, the charity said.

Carers, partners and families of sufferers are also lacking essential support as a result of the current “fragmented” care system.

Alzheimer Scotland wants to see a co-ordinator appointed to oversee the treatment and care of dementia patients.