Latest news with #DementiaAwarenessWeek
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Barbara Windsor's widower reveals EastEnders legend would have loved new Alzheimer Scotland outdoor facility
ALZHEIMER Scotland yesterday launched its second outdoor dementia centre with the help of Dame Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell. Agent Scott was married to the Carry On and EastEnders legend for 20 years before her death in 2020 aged 83 from Alzheimer's Disease, becoming her full-time carer for the last six years of her life. 5 Scott Mitchell visiting Alzheimer Scotland's new outdoor dementia centre in Edinburgh. Credit: Andy Barr 5 Gillian Councill, Alzheimer Scotland's Executive Lead for Brain Health and Innovation. Credit: Andy Barr 5 Part of the new centre. Credit: Andy Barr 5 Memory aides including a bus stop and a phonebox. Credit: Andy Barr The new facility on the grounds of Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh, comes after the success of the charity's first outdoor dementia resource centre which was opened in the Cairngorm National Park in 2023. During Dementia Awareness Week, Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS speaks to Scott about caring for Barbara and how the centre can help people with Alzheimer's and their families. SCOTT Mitchell strolls through the garden of the new outdoor dementia centre, with its traditional red phone box and bus stop added as memory aides, and declares: 'Barbara would have loved this.' The London-based agent was in Edinburgh to help launch the Alzheimer Scotland facility in Edinburgh and wished he and his late wife had had a 'calming' outdoor space like this after the actress, who played Albert Square's Peggy Mitchell, was diagnosed with the disease in 2014. He said: 'When I walked in I just sensed the calm that was here. That resonated with me as I thought 'if only we would have had somewhere like this when I was caring for Barbara'. 'Because I tell you, when you're caring for someone, going out can be quite a stressful thing. But somewhere like here everyone else understands what was happening with your loved one as they're going through it too. 'And also just being outdoors. I mean, look around you, we're in the middle of nature here. You've also got the phone box and the bus stop and lots of other things that will evoke memories. 'That's important for people living with the diagnosis as usually their memories are from a way back.' The dementia friendly centre will provide a range of activities, including gardening and horticulture, relaxation and yoga, community cafes and green health programmes. Scott said: 'I truly believe Alzheimer's Scotland are leading the way when it comes to dementia care as they also think of the carers as well as the people living with the disease. 'People forget that the carer's life becomes very isolated too as you're constantly focusing on that other person because you have to. 'What happens is friends can drop away and people stop popping round so your own world becomes very small. 'We have to watch their mental health too and ways to give them a little break so a place like this is perfect for that.' Gillian Councill, Alzheimer Scotland's Executive Lead for Brain Health and Innovation, reveals it's estimated that 90,000 people are currently living in Scotland with dementia. She said 'Sadly that figure is predicted to increase as the years go on. But one key area we're working on is prevention. 'There's lots of evidence coming through now that up to 45 per cent of cases of dementia could be preventable through addressing key lifestyle factors like air pollution, smoking, alcohol intake, education, vision and hearing loss. 'But increased physical activity is essential too, which is why green spaces are so important, including for your mental health.' And Scott, 62, can still vividly recall the day he and Barbara received her devastating diagnosis. He said: 'The day we got the diagnosis was the day I started grieving. That's how I felt. 'As it progresses it starts to take away your loved one, piece by piece, and you're grieving the whole time because you can see them disappearing in front of you. 'But I was also told that there'll always be a little piece of her in there somewhere, which was true.' And Scott - who was Barbara's partner for 27 years - reveals that the Carry On star never lost her sense of humour. He said: 'There was a lovely moment in the care home where unfortunately she wouldn't eat. And I said to her, I said, 'Barbara they've got chicken Milanese, that's what I make for you at home.' FORMER NURSE ANN SAYS NEW OUTDOOR CENTRE IS A LIFELINE FORMER nurse Ann Fraser insists Alzheimer's Scotland has thrown her a lifeline since being diagnosed with early onset dementia two years ago. Mum of two Ann, 64, from Edinburgh, had still been employed as an auxiliary when she started forgetting things at work. She said: 'People thought I was going deaf and I even got hearing aids. Then my GP sent me for scans and it showed then I had some form of dementia. 'But the support groups at Alzheimer's Scotland have been wonderful. Some days we'll have a song, or a dance and other times just give each other a hug. 'They have changed my life totally and this new centre is going to be amazing because it means that family and friends can come along too.' 'She said to me, 'Well you can't cook'. I said, 'Barbara, I'm the one who's done the cooking for 27 years and you're only telling me now' and she replied, 'Well I didn't want to hurt your feelings'.' He adds: 'Another lovely moment was I was training for a marathon and was warming up inside with some stretches and she said 'What are you doing?' 'I told her 'I'm training to run a marathon' and she replied, 'Your legs are too little to run.' This was classic Barbara Windsor.' There are currently around 130 clinical trials for drugs to try and slow down the progression of the disease. And Scott firmly believes that there will be hope for dementia patients and their carers in the future. He says: 'We are at a turning point here as far as dementia treatments are concerned. 'With more investment and funding then one day maybe we can slow it down considerably to the point where people won't have to go through all the distressing symptoms Barbara and millions of others have gone through.' *For more information visit:
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I built the dementia cafe I wish existed for my nan - sufferers still need joy'
For Dementia Awareness Week, we spoke to Michaela Williams, founder of Spring Bleau - a dementia cafe that brings comfort not only to those living with the condition, but also to the people who care for them Some losses come all at once. Others take their time, quietly peeling away memories, routines, and the pieces of the people we love. That's what dementia feels like for those living with it, and the families watching someone they love slowly slip away. For Dementia Awareness Week, The Mirror spoke to Michaela Williams, who knows firsthand how heartbreaking it is to lose someone in pieces. But despite the pain of watching dementia change her nan, Michaela chose to create something beautiful: Spring Bleau Cafe, a welcoming space for people with dementia and their carers to find comfort, connection, and joy. For Michaela's nan, the signs were subtle at first - misplacing her purse, losing her keys. Nothing that raised alarm bells. For someone elderly, that's normal, right? But then her cooking started to change. Her meals, once a source of pride, were no longer the same. And then something that did raise concern - she began mismatching her clothes. 'To some, that might not sound like much,' Michaela said, 'but my nan was prideful in how she dressed. That wasn't like her.' Still, the family stayed hopeful. 'It can't be that bad. She's still going to town. She's still cooking. She's still doing things,' Michaela remembered thinking. But those were just the early signs. After her nan had a stroke, doctors suggested a memory test. That's when the cracks in the system began to show. Despite it being a hospital referral, it took six months to schedule the test. 'That wait was part of the problem,' she said. Seven months later, the diagnosis came - vascular dementia. 'It's real now. You have a diagnosis,' Michaela said. 'I didn't know if I should burst into tears because I selfishly thought, 'What am I going to do? I can't live without her'." She expected someone, anyone from the NHS, to offer support. But nothing came. 'There's a letter from the Alzheimer's Society six months down the line, but how are they going to remember where they put the letter? Half of them are not well.' In the middle of her pain, Michaela had a realisation. 'I've had 41 amazing years with this woman. Now it's my turn to give her the best life possible.' Her nan loved her freedom. She loved getting out, cooking, and seeing friends. Michaela wanted to honour that. She started searching for clubs or groups - anything that might bring her nan joy, but nothing felt right. 'There was one nearby,' she said, 'but it wasn't diverse. We didn't feel like we fitted in.' So she created her own. 'There was nothing in our area that looked like us, sounded like us, felt like us,' she said. 'So I thought, okay. I'll make one.' She hadn't been on Facebook in over 15 years, but she logged in and posted that she was going to open a dementia cafe. 'Once I put it out there, I had to do it,' she laughed. 'I said it, so now I had to show up.' Volunteers came. People offered help. And Spring Bleau Cafe was born. The name carries legacy, Spring - her nan's maiden name and Bleau - her daughter's middle name. The butterfly symbol represents hope, transformation and new beginnings. 'It brings the two most important people in my life together,' Michaela says. The cafe launched in a church hall. With soup, sandwiches, crafts, laughter and music. People dancing like they did back home. Carers talking to other carers. 'We do music, word searches, games, dancing, even face masks,' she said. 'They feel seen again. Like life isn't over just because they've got dementia.' Michaela's nan passed away in January 2025. 'She went peacefully, surrounded by love. That was the best thing I could give her.' Now, Spring Bleau isn't just a cafe - it's a tribute. A space where people with dementia and their carers can feel seen, heard and celebrated. Since opening last spring, it's created countless memories for those who attend. One moment that stays with Michaela is a carer and her mum's final joyful memory before she passed. 'She said it was one of the best memories they ever had together.' But some memories weigh heavier. An ex-RAF driver came to the cafe, laughed and played dominoes. A week later, he took his own life. 'That's how heavy this journey is. You never know where someone's head is at, but at least we gave him one good moment.' Now that she's seen the impact, Michaela has bigger plans. She hopes to open more cafes across the UK and one in her nan's hometown, St Vincent. And for those with dementia who struggle to get out, she wants to bring the cafe to them, with volunteers popping by to deliver treats and spend time, offering connection and relief. But Michaela wants more than community - she wants change. 'There's so much people don't know about dementia,' she said. 'Every patient is supposed to have a purple butterfly across their bed in hospital, but not all do. And there are nurses who specifically specialise in dementia - why aren't they in every hospital?' She believes the care system is failing too many families. 'We do training for diabetes. Why not dementia? Why aren't we giving people a course, or even a pack to explain what's to come?' Her message is clear: people need people, not just paperwork. 'A letter six months later is not enough. People need voices. They need real support, not just a diagnosis and silence.' Spring Bleau is just the beginning but for Michaela, it's a promise, a legacy. 'I never loved my nan any less. I just had to learn to love her differently. And that love still had light.'
Scotsman
10-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Edinburgh-based care charity to host events to encourage locals to be more dementia-friendly
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now To mark Dementia Awareness Week, an Edinburgh-based care charity has announced it will host events to inspire local residents and businesses to become more dementia-friendly. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As part of Dementia Awareness Week this May, 19th - 25th, The Eric Liddell Community is taking a proactive step in supporting individuals living with dementia and their carers. The charity will host two events: a dementia-focused evening on Thursday, May 22, 6.30pm–8.30pm, and a business breakfast on Wednesday, June 4, 8am–9am. Both events will be held at The Eric Liddell Community in Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Thursday evening event will welcome guest speaker Jan Beattie, one of Scotland's foremost voices in dementia care and policy. Edinburgh charity The Eric Liddell Community will host two dementia events in the coming weeks. | The Eric Liddell Community A trained social worker with over 30 years of experience in regeneration, community development, and workforce transformation, Jan most recently served as Professional Advisor in Dementia to the Scottish Government, helping to deliver Everyone's Story, Scotland's national dementia strategy and its first two-year delivery plan. She said: 'It's a genuine privilege to support The Eric Liddell Community during Dementia Awareness Week. Their person-centred, compassionate approach represents the very best of dementia care. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Everything they do is grounded in strong values, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Edinburgh. That's what makes their work so impactful, and why I'm proud to stand alongside them in their mission to make our city more inclusive and supportive for those living with dementia.' On Wednesday, June 4, the charity will host a Dementia Friendly Community Business Breakfast from 8am–9am. Local businesses are invited to join for tea, coffee, and pastries while learning practical tips on becoming more dementia-informed. The event will also include a chance to hear about the support services offered by the charity and to connect with like-minded professionals committed to inclusivity. John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, said: 'Creating a dementia-friendly Edinburgh doesn't just start in hospitals and care homes – it begins in cafés, shops, offices, and neighbourhoods. At The Eric Liddell Community, we believe that by raising awareness and equipping people with the right tools, we can transform everyday environments into inclusive, supportive spaces. 'These events are a chance for all of us – whether you're a business owner, neighbour, friend, or family member – to play a part in making Edinburgh a more understanding and compassionate place for those living with dementia.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Caroline Heenan, day care manager at The Eric Liddell Community, added: 'Every day we see the difference a welcoming environment can make. Whether it's a familiar face, a friendly voice, or a safe and engaging space, these small things are vital. Events like this help us share what we've learned and bring more people into our mission of making Edinburgh more Dementia-Friendly.' The month of May will also see the launch of The Eric Liddell community's Spring Appeal, which this year will focus on the vital work undertaken by unpaid carers, and will highlight the positive impact The Eric Liddell Community's Befriending Project has had on the health and wellbeing of those people caring for individuals living with dementia. For further information, go to: Get Involved - The Eric Liddell Community.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Retired man to walk 55 miles through County Durham for dementia in memory of wife
A retired man is set to walk 55 miles through County Durham in memory of his late wife who died from dementia. Dr John Hirst, from Stockton, will lace up his his walking boots for a five-day journey along the coast, beginning in Thornaby-on-Tees and winding through County Durham's scenic towns and villages before reaching Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The walk, which coincides with Dementia Action Week, will run from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23. John and Pat on Shields Ferry (Image: PROVIDED) John is walking in memory of his wife, Pat, who passed away at the age of 66 after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare condition that affects parts of the brain responsible for behaviour and speech. John said: "'Pat was diagnosed with FTD in 2012, 18 months after her retirement as a nurse in the NHS. 'Following her diagnosis her decline was rapid, resulting in loss of speech, an inability to swallow and for the final months she was forced to use a wheelchair. "Throughout all of this she was always able to recognise us all and was aware until very close to the end of her life.' John has since dedicated himself to raising awareness of young onset dementia and raising funds for Alzheimer's Research UK, the charity supporting scientific efforts to find a cure. The County Durham stretch of the walk will see John pass through several coastal communities before reaching Newcastle's Campus for Ageing and Vitality, where Alzheimer's Research UK supports vital work. Fiona Burrell, North East Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'We are so grateful to John for taking on this walking challenge in memory of his wife Pat. We could not do the work we do without supporters like them." READ MORE: Seven arrested including teenager after Easter Sunday fracas left three in hospital Darlington charity match held in memory of beloved coach leaving behind two sons Bishop Auckland couple's short film reaches final of international competition She added: 'Their incredible efforts help us power the most forward-thinking scientists working to find a cure for dementia. We can't wait to follow their journey during Dementia Awareness Week.' John hopes to raise £1,000 for dementia research in the North East. Donations can be made at where John will also be sharing blog updates throughout his walk. For more information about Alzheimer's Research UK or how to get involved, call 0300 111 5333 or email fundraising@
BBC News
28-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Relatives say living with dementia is 'cruel' and 'heartbreaking'
An increasing number of people in the UK are being diagnosed with to Alzheimer's UK, 982,000 people are estimated to be living with the condition and as many as 700,000 people are caring for a loved this week, people have been sharing their experiences as part of the BBC's Memories and Dementia radio stations in Dorset, Berkshire, Oxford and Hampshire have all being talking about the issue as part of Dementia Awareness Week. Beverly Randerson's husband Brendon was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBT) in 2019."He used to play golf until one day he came home and said: 'I can't play golf anymore.'"She remembers asking him why, and the answer was because he could not add up, despite previously being "very good with figures". 'You don't just lose them once' She said the disease "creeps up on you" and at the beginning they managed to find medication that kept it at bay for a while."There were lots of things, small things to begin with, getting really forgetful then he couldn't drive anymore - he didn't like that," she said she had to do all the driving and "there were many times he tried to get out the car while I was driving"."He was getting worse, he kept running off so I would lock the doors and then he would try escaping through windows." Mrs Randerson said eventually Brendon started to become violent, and he now lives at Aranlaw Care Home in said: "The worst part is you don't just lose them once. It's a horrible disease and it's so cruel to everybody, not just the people with dementia but the whole family."If I could take it away from him, I would but I can't." 'Football was his passion' Goff White from Tadley was one of the first non-league footballers to be diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain condition thought to be linked to repeated head wife Tina said: "He was a very strong character. My son always says: 'they don't make many in that mould any more' and he's right."He was a loving, caring husband, father, son and granddad, always willing to help absolutely anyone."Goff, who loved football and played for Basingstoke and Tadley Calleva, died last year aged 70, after living with Alzheimer's. Mrs White said her husband played football for roughly 43 years and he would "practise for hours, heading the ball"."He had plenty of concussions in his early life between the age of 18-21 but football was his passion, his whole life," she noticed the difference in her husband in 2012, because "he became paranoid, he started to get very verbally aggressive and very angry about things".Getting a diagnosis was difficult, Mrs White said, as her husband would not accept that there was anything wrong."I became the enemy. He even asked for a divorce, he just wouldn't accept the illness," she said."For two years I went to different doctors and they said they couldn't do anything unless he came in himself." 'I'm grateful she is still here' Dementia Active is a charity based in Oxfordshire that provides social activity groups for people with and chief executive Andy Gill said: "We want to help keep someone living with dementia at home for longer and out of a care home."We bring them in for a four-hour session. We'll pick them up from home to give the carers, husbands and wives the break, the respite they need, when they are looking after someone with dementia."It can be intense. The disease is 24 hours, seven days a week, it's not something that goes away at night and some people won't sleep when they've got dementia. "You're on guard 24/7 as a carer to give someone four hours respite in a day can make a lot of difference." Molly Gill, who runs and manages the activities, said: "We hear the bad stuff about dementia. You hear loss of memory, forgetting people and losing the ability to do things they've previously loved."In this environment with the group, we get all the fun stuff, the innocence and the joy."Belinda Herring is a team leader at the charity and her mother Anne comes three days a week to the group and has "a great time"."Since I lost my dad, my mum was very lonely on her own and had nothing much to do," she said."Mum's made lots of great friends, she does lots of activities. It's a really nice social thing for her, plus she gets a good meal and has entertainment."She said the disease was "very hard and you lose a piece of them each time, it can be heart-breaking, but I'm grateful she is still here". 'The aim is to achieve some hope' Experts from the University of Southampton have devised a giant floor game of snakes and ladders to teach people about game is a 3m-by-3m board, which includes giant foam is designed to teach people about lifestyle choices that prevent or increase the risk of contracting the 45% of cases of dementia can potentially be prevented by addressing 14 risk factors during your life, the researchers Jessica Teeling, who works in experimental neuroimmunology at the university, said the aim of the games was "to achieve some hope". Risk factors include chronic stress, lack of sleep and not flossing your teeth. Prof Teeling said: "Chronic stress influences your body which makes you more susceptible to infections."A lot happens when you sleep - there is an area in your brain that is particularly active when you're awake and shuts itself off when you sleep."That part of the brain is called locus coeruleus and it's one of the first affected in dementia."When it's not shut off those processes are exaggerated, so not sleeping eight hours or not sleeping regularly could influence the function."She said there was also evidence that gum disease, left untreated, increases the risk of developing dementia by about four to five times. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
