Alan G. Richardson💙

'We are left with a [social care] system which has add-ons and workarounds, sticking plasters and glue, holding together something that is creaking, which is inconsistent and often impenetrable.' Baroness Casey has today called for greater leadership and an improved health and care response to dementia while speaking at the Nuffield Trust summit. 'I want to make sure that we finally get to work out what is the real answer for the next 25 years, not just the next five years, that we have a sustainable plan that the country is right behind.' We wholeheartedly welcome Baroness Casey shining a light on dementia and the challenges faced by people living with this devastating condition. Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge of our time and prioritising it is long overdue. Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK, and they are one of the biggest groups drawing on social care for specialist support. As Baroness Casey has highlighted, dementia has not been given the same priority as other diseases. We agree that urgent progress is needed on diagnosis, treatment, and care so that fewer people die from dementia. We all need that hope - and that starts with proper leadership. Baroness Casey’s intervention is incredibly timely. The Government’s new Modern Service Framework for Dementia and Frailty is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a future where dementia no longer devastates lives. Headline via Daily Mirror.

Dementia can make it tough to talk about the future. As the condition progresses, people with dementia are likely to need support. This could include having someone who can help manage their finances, arrange care or make medical decisions on their behalf. It can be difficult to think and talk about these things. Some people find it reassuring, while others would rather not think about it. Everyone is different. But there can be real benefits to having these conversations, even when they’re not easy. Talking about the person’s wishes through to the end of their life can help family, friends, and medical professionals understand and respect those wishes. It can also help give back a feeling of control at what can be an uncertain time. It’s also worth remembering that some legal steps, like making a will or setting up lasting power of attorney, require the person to have the ability (known as mental capacity) to make those decisions. So it’s a good idea to have a discussion about these early after diagnosis, if you can. Here’s our advice for how to have this conversation. And if you have any other tips from your own experience, make sure to share them in the comments.

Welcome to the first cohort of PhD students to join our Alzheimer’s Doctoral Training Centre for Integrated Care. The centre will focus on how to provide care for people with dementia that is easy to access, ensures choice and independence, and works from diagnosis to end of life

An Alzheimer's Society International. Tonight on ITV 1 from 7pm. This is not one to be missed!

"Understanding the person and what might be contributing to their behaviour is the first step in providing support. This includes considering their physical health, emotional state, and the environment around them." — Dementia Support Australia