Loveday Answers was a free online webinar hosted through Dementia Action Week, to answer questions from members of the public on anything dementia-related.
Dementia Action Week is a national awareness event from the Alzheimer’s Society, designed to take action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia, and those around them. The theme this year was diagnosis.
As a leading provider of specialist dementia care, Loveday invited a panel of leaders in dementia diagnosis, treatment and care to take part in an online Q&A session.
Chaired by Anna Dobbie, editor of Caring Times magazine, the panel of experts included Dr Julia Wood, Consultant in Practice Improvement and Dementia Care Consultant, Dr Tom MacLaren, Consultant Psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health, and Gabriela Zackova, Director of Wellbeing & Dementia at Loveday.
During this live Q&A the public asked questions, addressing everything from the signs & symptoms, the importance of an early diagnosis, medication options, care provisions and what to consider and where to go for help.
Some of the key themes of the webinar included:
Medication- Does “preventative” medication work, when should it be given, and what are the side effects?
Dr Tom explained that a lot of medication can be used to treat symptoms of dementia and the earlier you start, the better. Many medicines have been around for about 20 years, however many come with side effects which may include symptoms such as anxiety and changes in bowel movements.
Dr Wood also explained that there are also non-pharmacological options available such as CBT and it’s really important to lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise and have a good diet. What is good for the heart is also good for the brain!
Is there any preventative medication in the research pipeline?
Dr Tom educated on the huge number of clinical trials in progress and developments are being made in this field. He advised to ask your doctor about possible clinical trials or visit www.recognitionhealth.com who are major centres for international trials of disease-modifying and new symptomatic drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions. Clinical trials offer the following benefits:
- Accurate diagnosis with the most advanced diagnostic tools
- The chance to slow or stop disease progression
- Only chance to get early access to new generation drugs that will not be available on the market for several years
- Regular health monitoring
- Free to participate with expenses reimbursed
- Contributing to vital research to help future generations
What are the care programmes you offer spouses, partners or family members, who have loved ones living with dementia in a senior living home while the loved one is living; and after their loved one passes away?
Gabby gave an insight into Loveday and explained that when you join Loveday you become a member of the family. Family members are invited to participate in activities and spend quality time with loved ones, with no visiting times. The Loveday Club is a day club for people living with dementia, open from 9-5pm, 7 days a week and hosted within Loveday residences. Members of the Day Club enjoy all of the same outstanding care, services and hospitality, providing respite for the care giver. Family and friends are welcome to join in on activities and the Loveday team are always at the end of the phone to answer questions and support people. Also, the team are there for people after loved ones pass away, offering advice and compassionate support.
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Dr Wood explained that dementia is an umbrella term and there are many types, they run into the hundreds. Two thirds of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s. Vascular Dementia is the next most common. People can have a combination of both. Slightly different symptoms and problems, so you need to know what type of dementia you have. Other types are much rarer. Dementia is a progressive illness.
Dr Tom informed that about 2,000 people have Alzheimer’s. Vascular dementia is when the arteries get narrower over time which causes memory trouble or problems with orientation. Alzheimer’s is so gradual that often people don’t realise. Simple exercise or talking about day-to-day activities such as shopping and bills can help the brain.
Further questions were also asked within chat function of the webinar and have been answered below:
