More than five million people potentially at risk of health complications from flu went unvaccinated in England over the winter. Hundreds of thousands of frontline health workers also had no jab, leaving them open to infecting vulnerable patients.
Dementia checks at 75 urged by Alzheimer's Society
Dementia checks at 75 urged by Alzheimer’s Society
By Adam Brimelow Health Correspondent, BBC News
750,000 people in the UK have dementia, the Alzheimer’s Society says
The NHS should offer checks for dementia when people reach 75, a leading health charity says.
The Alzheimer’s Society says fewer than half of those with the condition get a diagnosis, so many miss out on the care and support they need.
The UK National Screening Committee, which advises the NHS, has said tests and treatments need to improve first.
And the British Medical Association says carrying out the checks would mean there is less time for other services.
About 750,000 people in the UK have dementia – and with the numbers projected to rise to more than a million by 2021 the Alzheimer’s Society says it is essential to identify those who need help.
If you are a carer of someone with dementia!
Sleep drug could help dementia
Doctors are leading a new study into a drug associated with sleep which could improve the quality of life for people with dementia.
8:00AM BST 27 Mar 2011
Glasgow-based medical research company CPS Research is heading a clinical trial using a drug containing the sleep hormone melatonin, which it is hoped will reduce the symptoms associated with the illness.
Did you as a home carer get a flu vaccination?
Millions at risk of flu complications went unvaccinated in England
Chief medical officer for England demands big increase in take-up for 2011-12 ‘flu season’, warning health authorities to order enough supplies now
The chief medical officer for England has demanded a big increase in take-up for the 2011-12 ‘flu season’. Photograph: David Cheskin/PA
