Blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease – Are they becoming a reality?

A blood test for Alzheimer’s disease has been the ‘holy grail’ for dementia diagnostics for many years, if not decades. Not only would a simple blood test confirm a diagnosis much quicker but it would also allow better and earlier treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. However, only recently these blood tests coming into reality. Why did … Continue reading Blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease – Are they becoming a reality?

How does brain imaging help with dementia diagnostics?

Brain imaging, also called neuroimaging, encompasses a range of different techniques which can be used for dementia diagnostics. Some of the neuroimaging techniques have been around for many years, while others are cutting-edge. But how can the different neuroimaging techniques support a diagnosis of dementia and what are the changes seen in dementia on brain … Continue reading How does brain imaging help with dementia diagnostics?

Sleep medication in dementia and its hidden risks

Changes in sleep patterns are very common in dementia. Once the disease advances these changes can develop into more severe sleep disturbances, with people having either problem falling asleep, waking up multiple times in the night or having increased daytime sleepiness. Sleep medication is often prescribed by clinicians in those cases, however, recent evidence suggests … Continue reading Sleep medication in dementia and its hidden risks

What’s on your mind? – Mindfulness in dementia

The current post originated from two questions by my Twitter follower @juliagapowell: What is the evidence for mindfulness improving wellbeing of people living with dementia? What stage of dementia can be best supported by mindfulness? Great questions. Thank you. Non-pharmacological interventions, those that do not rely on medication, have become increasingly popular in dementia over … Continue reading What’s on your mind? – Mindfulness in dementia

Animals versus robots – Do robotic animals help as much as living animals in dementia therapy?

Animal therapy has become increasingly popular in dementia, as it shows positive effects in the behaviour, mood and quality of life in people with dementia. This has been recently extended to robotic animals which seemingly show similar positive effects in people with dementia. But what is the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of such animal … Continue reading Animals versus robots – Do robotic animals help as much as living animals in dementia therapy?