Tag Archives: health
PM outlines dementia support plan
Dementia Friends
The Prime Minister is calling on a million members of the public to provide support for dementia sufferers.
David Cameron has set out his ambitious plan to create masses of “dementia friends” who will be able to spot the signs of the condition and offer support for sufferers.
Mr Cameron, who says that tackling dementia is a “personal priority” of his, hopes that one million people will sign up to receive coaching sessions by 2015. The sessions, which will be provided in church halls and workplaces, will help to raise awareness and teach people how to support those with the condition.
Anosmia: Norfolk clinic helps those without a sense of smell
Imagine a world where you have no sense of smell.
By Martin Barber BBC News, Norfolk
Sarah Page just wants to sense the comforting smell of her boyfriend Andy and other everyday pleasuresImagine a world where you have no sense of smell.
The aromas of a morning coffee, fresh flowers, clean washing, newly baked bread or perhaps the comforting scent of loved ones – all gone.
That world is very real to an estimated three million people in the UK who spend their lives with no sense of smell – a condition known as anosmia.
It can lead to life-threatening situations, isolation, depression and a loss of interest in food as 80% of what we taste comes from smell. The common cold is one of a number of causes.
Parents of autistic children: Care worker changes scare us
By Danie Linsell BBC Somerset politics reporter
Martin’s wife has been at breaking point for some time and recently considered taking her own life.
“I’m glad my wife’s got the care support because about a week ago I nearly lost her… she wanted to hang herself in the apple tree.”
Martin – not his real name – is in his 40s and is a parent and a carer.
His teenage son has Asperger’s syndrome and the whole family has to cope with his violent, aggressive outbursts and manipulative behaviour.
Martin’s wife has been at breaking point for some time and recently considered taking her own life.
She is not on her own. Many parents across Somerset say their own state of mind has suffered as a result of coping with their children’s behavioural problems.
