Tag Archives: dementia
Painkillers ‘may ease agitation’ in dementia patients
This could help Dementia patients live a better life
18 July 2011 Last updated at 01:08
By Jane Hughes Health correspondent, BBC News
Many dementia patients being prescribed “chemical cosh” antipsychotic drugs could be better treated with simple painkillers, research says.
The British and Norwegian study, published on the BMJ website, found painkillers significantly cut agitation in dementia patients.
Agitation, a common dementia symptom, is often treated with antipsychotic drugs, which have risky side effects.
Norfolk’s new dementia unit to be opened 26th July 2011
Norfolk’s new dementia unit ready for topping–out
Edited by Andy Porter editor@wellbeingnorfolk.co.uk
The principle building work on Norfolk’s new Dementia Intensive Care Unit [DICU] is nearing completion and ready for the topping–out ceremony on 26 July 2011.
The event will be held on the Julian Hospital site in Norwich, home to the £13.7 million development. The 36–bedded DICU is part of Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, representatives of which will attend the topping–out together with building contractors R G Carter and architects Ingleton Wood.
The unit is part of the mental health Trust’s aims to provide the best dementia care in the country by creating a Clinical Academy for Dementia.
Chickens rule the roost at nursing home
Memories will come flooding back with these chickens.
Residents at Hucknall’s Hazel Grove Nursing Home have welcomed three new residents this week in the form of a group of hens.
A NURSING home in Hucknall has paid a visit to the farm to come up with an innovative tool to help its treatment of dementia sufferers — a trio of chickens.
The Hazelgrove home, off Farleys Lane, bought the poultry after research suggested they comforted patients with dementia.
The research said patients who came into contact with animals often experience reduced blood-pressure and anxiety and improved social interaction and sleep patterns.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) also promotes the use of animals in treatment programmes.
Staff at Hazelgrove decided to give the idea a go on behalf of 18 residents who have dementia.
