Kevin Hope

Subjective experiences of younger people with dementia and their families: implications for UK research, policy and practice

Young-onset dementia (dementia in people under 65 years of age) remains an under-researched area of dementia care. As populations age in industrialized countries, dementia is set to increase: this includes dementias in younger people. Current estimates suggest there are over 15 000 younger people living with dementia in the UK, whilst dedicated services and research in this area remain limited. Younger people may be affected by rarer forms of dementia that can create various kinds of impairment in the individual. For example, as Boxer and Miller report, although memory can be affected, people with conditions such as frontotemporal dementia can present initially with personality changes as the primary symptom. Younger people may also have more difficulties with visuospatial and semantic tasks when compared with an person, and there are likely to be personal and societal implications for the entire family.

Using multi-sensory environments (MSEs) with people with dementia. Factors impeding their use as perceived by clinical staff.

Utilizing action research, the clinical application of a Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE) in the field of old age psychiatry was explored and developed over a four-year time span. This article reports on factors identified as mediating against its use as reported by clinical staff. Conceptual and theoretical considerations considered of utility beyond the study’s context are presented. Expectancy of outcomes, the predilection of individual members of staff to engage in this form of therapy and the influence of an organization’s orientation towards such therapy are highlighted as specific areas for attention.

'Doing things differently'--working towards distributed responsibility within memory assessment services.

To compare initial diagnostic hypotheses made by Allied Health Professionals (AHP) (mental health nurses, occupational therapists and social workers) with subsequent formal multidisciplinary formulation based upon the full possession of investigations, neuropsychological tests and brain imaging. Design Prospective analysis.