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.
Josie McCann and her mother, Letty, are delighted at the newsAll 18 NHS care homes in Northern Ireland that were earmarked for closure are to remain open while residents want to stay in them.
Health Minister Edwin Poots confirmed that the homes would stay open in a letter to the Stormont health committee seen by the BBC.
The closures had been announced last year as part of the Transforming Your Care health review.
Disabled people have to buy specialist equipment and also pay a premium for everyday items, Scope says‘Disabled people pay “a financial penalty” on everyday living costs, spending an average of £550 a month extra, according to a report by Scope.
They needed specialist equipment and had to pay out for things like taxis instead of public transport, it added.
Disabled people were, on average, £100,000 worse off when it came to pensions and savings, the charity said.
