PlayFor the past 20 years, Kevin Whately has played television detective Robbie Lewis, who was Inspector Morse's right-hand man. But in his latest on-screen appearance, the actor investigates a subject close to his heart - dementia.
He shares the story of his mother's struggle with Alzheimer's disease and reports on the vast disparity in diagnosis, nursing home care and treatment that exists for dementia, a condition that one in three of us who reach the age of 65 will die with.
Kevin's mother Mary, 83, was diagnosed with the most common form of dementia eight years ago. Sadly, her condition is so advanced that her family had to admit her to a nursing home. Kevin, an Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society, says: “I feel passionately that more needs to be done to raise awareness about dementia – and to get the right treatments and care for those with this disease.
Kevin and his brother Frank recall the sad deterioration of their mother's memory and ability to take care of herself and their feelings of helplessness. They discuss their concerns about the vast difference in standards of care for patients with dementia in care homes in Britain.
The programme also looks at the need for better diagnosis for dementia, as currently many doctors and nurses do not receive mandatory training in diagnosing and dealing with dementia. It is believed that only one third of people with dementia have been diagnosed.
Kevin meets John Suchet and the specialist Admiral Nurse who has helped him deal with his wife Bonnie's dementia. He explores other care therapies including Singing for the Brain, Reminiscence Therapy and SPECAL (Specialised Early Care for Alzheimer’s, which is a way of communicating with people with dementia and keeping them calm and content).
The programme also looks at whether people with Alzheimer’s should have access to a wider selection of drugs, despite the financial implications. There is no cure for dementia, but anti-dementia drugs Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl can improve symptoms, or temporarily slow their progression, in about 50% of cases. But since November 2006 NHS doctors have been banned from prescribing these to thousands of patients newly diagnosed with mild and severe dementia by the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) because of costs.
NICE told the programme that its independent experts did not believe that the drugs make enough difference for it to recommend their use for treating all stages of Alzheimer’s disease. But later this year NICE will review its cost calculations and consider whether to review its guidance.
Dr Rice, from Newbury Memory Service, explains: “As we age, most people’s memories deteriorate. For most of us this is normal. But for some people it indicates dementia - a progressive deterioration of memory, thinking and functioning.”
There are three main types of dementia and people sometimes have more than one type:
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common - accounting for more than half of all cases.
The second most common form is Vascular Dementia - resulting from the narrowing and then obstruction of the small blood vessels of the brain.
The third most common form is Dementia with Lewy Bodies, which bears some similarities to Parkinson’s disease.
Dr Rice says: “If you’re worried about your memory, it’s best to visit you GP and to ask for a specialist assessment. In many areas, the local Old Age Psychiatry services run Memory Clinics, where you will be fully assessed. There is no cure for dementia, but people with moderate Alzheimer’s can be prescribed anti-dementia drugs. You should also be offered help follow-up treatment and your family should be offered help with care. In many places voluntary organisations can help with strategies to help you live a full and active life with dementia.”
Kevin Whately on Dementia: Tonight ITV1 - For further information:
Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading support and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. To find out more on dementia and care of people with dementia, visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk/tonight
If you have concerns or questions about dementia, Alzheimer's Society National Dementia Helpline can provide information, support, guidance and referrals to other appropriate organisations. The number to dial is 0845 300 0336. Or write to the Alzheimer's Society, Devon House, 58 St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1JX. The general phone number is 020 7423 3500. The email is: enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk
Singing for the Brain can be a stimulating social activity designed to enhance well-being and confidence for people with memory problems and their carers. Building on the theory that preservation of musical memory, even when many other parts of memory are lost, can promote communication. This is hidden in fun, but can also help with articulation, concentration, focus and motivation - all of which can contribute to a more positive view of life. Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk/singingforthebrain Write to Chreanne Montgomery-Smith, Alzheimer's Society West Berkshire, Slater Centre, New Greenham Park, Newbury West Berks RG19 6HN. Phone 01635 500 869. Email alz.support@pop3.hiway.co.uk
Reminiscence Therapy - Recalling memories can have therapeutic benefits for people with dementia. When the short term memory is not working properly, it’s important to communicate with people by tapping their long term memory and valuing what people can remember. Reminiscing can be a way of empowering people to tell their story. Memory prompts, like old photographs, music and objects from years ago can be used as prompts. If encouraged sensitively, recalling memories can impact positively on a person's well-being. For some older people, reminiscing may have a downside to it. Talking about the past could trigger recollections of events they would prefer to forget. To find out more see: 'Memories are Made of This, reminiscence activities for person-centred care' (Alzheimer's Society 2007) available from the many publications at: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Kevin Whately visited Barchester’s Hilton Park Care Centre in Bottisham, Cambridge, CB25 9BX. The phone number is: 01223 811 256. Barchester Healthcare has more than 200 care homes throughout the UK. They offer a range of services, including expert care for people living with dementia. The ‘Memory Lane Communities’ emphasise a person-centred approach to care.
To find your nearest Barchester Memory Lane Community, visit: www.barchester.com or write to Barchester Healthcare Ltd, Suite 201, The Chambers, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XF. Tel: 0207 352 2224.
Kevin visited Pippa Geddes and her sister Louise who developed early-on set dementia when she was just 56-years-old. Pippa heard about the SPECAL ('Specialized Early Care for Alzheimer's') approach to care and she says it has dramatically improved her sister’s quality of life. SPECAL has three basic commandments for better wellbeing: don't ask the person with dementia questions; never contradict them; and learn to love their repetitiveness.
SPECAL is a charitable organisation. Its approach to the care of people with dementia, offers a different way of managing the condition for both the person with dementia and for their family. For more information log on to: www.specal.co.uk or email: help@specal.co.uk.You can write to: The SPECAL Centre, Sheep Street, Burford. Oxfordshire OX18 4LS.
Clinical Psychologist and author Oliver James has written a book, ‘Contented Dementia’, in which he describes the SPECAL approach. ‘Contented Dementia - 24 hour Wraparound Care For Lifelong Well-being' by Oliver James (ISBN: 0091901804; EAN: 9780091901806; Publisher: Vermilion)
Kevin spoke to journalist and broadcaster John Suchet about the invaluable help he has from an Admiral Nurse in caring for his wife Bonnie.
for dementia is the charity that trains and supports Admiral Nurses, specialist nurses who work with families living with dementia. The charity also supports the Uniting Carers for dementia network that gives carers a voice and provides training. Log on to: www.fordementia.org.uk for full information. Family and professional carers and people with dementia can call the Admiral Nursing DIRECT helpline 0845 257 9406 (or email direct@fordementia.org.uk) to talk to an experienced Admiral Nurse.
The Government’s National Dementia Strategy sets out initiatives designed to make the lives of people with dementia, their carers and families better and more fulfilled. It is backed by £150 million over the first two years. Its aim is to increase awareness of dementia, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and radically improve the quality of care that people with the condition receive. Proposals include the introduction of a dementia specialist into every general hospital and care home and for mental health teams to assess people with dementia. The website is: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Deliveringadultsocialcare/Olderpeople/NationalDementiaStrategy/DH_083358
You can write to: Department of Health, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NS. The phone number is: 020 7210 4850. The e-mail is: Dementia.Strategy@dh.gsi.gov.uk
The Alzheimer's Research Trust is the UK's leading research charity for dementia. It is dedicated to funding scientific studies to find ways to treat, cure or prevent Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body disease and fronto-temporal dementia. The website is: http://www.alzheimers-research.org.uk/ The address is: Alzheimer's Research Trust, The Stables, Station Road, Great Shelford, Cambridge CB22 5LR. Phone: 01223 843 899. Email: enquiries@alzheimers-research.org.uk
Age Concern is the UK’s largest charity working with and for older people. It is running the Big Q campaign‚ calling for higher quality care that meets the individual needs of those that need care. Further details available at: www.ageconcern.org.uk/care Write to: Age Concern, FREEPOST (SWB 30375), Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7ZZ. Free helpline: 0800 00 99 66.
Princess Royal Trust for Carers is the largest provider of comprehensive carers support services in the UK. The Trust provides quality information, advice and support services to almost 354,000 carers, including over 20,000 young carers.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Unit 14, Bourne Court, Southend Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 8HD. Phone: 0844 800 4361. Email: info@carers.org
Alzheimer’s Scotland is Scotland’s leading dementia charity. If you need information or emotional support on any issue to do with dementia, you can call the Scottish 24 hour Dementia Helpline: 0808 808 3000
Tonight would like to give thanks to vintage shop Radio Days: 87 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7AB. Phone: 0207 928 0800. Website: www.radiodaysvintage.co.uk/
The first UK dementia training centre, founded over twenty years ago, is the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling. (www.dementia.stir.ac.uk). It exists to improve the care for people with dementia and their families. It is a non-profit, public sector, education organisation that provides a lot of information and training free at the point of delivery, or for very low cost throughout the UK.
A growing number of people with dementia choose to receive one to one permanent care within their home as an alternative to residential care through a service called live-in care. If you would like more information on how live in care works then please contact Helping Hands Homecare on 0808 180 9488, email enquiries@helpinghandshomecare.co.uk or visit www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk. A short dvd explaining the service and allowing existing families to discuss their experience is available to view at www.helpingyoulive.co.uk
