Author Archives: Maureen

Elderly who lose interest in pastimes could be at risk of Alzheimer's Disease

April 17, 2014   Alzheimer’s, Carers, dementia, Older care

Apathy towards hobbies in old age could be a sign of dementia, scientists warn

 

A study showed elderly people who are apathetic but not suffering depression have shrinking amounts of grey and white matter

By Agencies

6:06AM BST 17 Apr 2014

Losing interest in hobbies and other activities in older age could be an early sign of dementia, according to scientists.

Apathy in older people suggests a loss of grey matter and offers doctors a new tool with which to identify a group of the population at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

A study showed elderly people who are apathetic but not suffering depression have shrinking amounts of grey and white matter – neurons in the brain that control memory and communication respectively.

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Fourteen ways councils can help combat loneliness

April 14, 2014   Carers, mental health, Older care
Tackling loneliness is a local government priority. Here’s some expert advice on how councils can address it

 

Loneliness can harm physical and mental health and addressing it needs to be a priority for councils.

1) Councils need to team up with partners to combat loneliness; they cannot go it alone

We know that loneliness can harm a person’s mental and physical health. Communities with high levels of social capital have better results in health and education attainment and can enjoy greater levels of social cohesion. For these reasons (among others), loneliness needs to be a key priority for councils.

But loneliness is multifaceted, so local authorities cannot do this alone. It will be vital for councils to work in partnership with community groups, local faith groups, the voluntary sector and the private sector. Local knowledge and local relationships will be critical to offer the personal approach required to support those suffering from loneliness.

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Older people in NHS care suffering in silence.

April 7, 2014   Carers, Older care, Social care
Dame Julie Mellor believes over-65s either fear a backlash if they raise issues or don’t like making fuss

Dame Julie Mellor, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman

Dame Julie Mellor, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman. Photograph: Martin Argles for the Guardian

Older people might be “suffering in silence” under NHS care because they are reluctant to complain about the care they receive, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman for England has said.

Dame Julie Mellor believes over-65s either fear a backlash if they raise issues or don’t like making fuss, meaning watchdogs are only seeing the tip of the iceberg of serious failings.

“Older people are some of the most frequent users of the NHS but they are less likely to complain about treatment and care when standards slip to unacceptable levels,” Mellor said in an article for the Daily Mail on Monday.

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