Biogen’s Post

In the United States, the prevalence of dementia is on the rise, and with it comes an urgent need for communities to adapt and become dementia-friendly. As our population ages, the impact of dementia extends beyond individuals to families and caregivers. Establishing dementia-friendly communities is not just a social responsibility but a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being, inclusivity, and dignity of those affected by dementia. This brief video delves into the imperative for America to embrace and implement dementia-friendly initiatives that prioritize understanding, safety, and support for individuals living with dementia and their support networks. https://lnkd.in/gDkGz6Xu

Today is the start of Dementia Action Week 🧠 Did you know? 💡 ▪ 1 in 3 people in the UK living with dementia do not have a diagnosis. ▪ 90% of people affected by dementia say there are benefits to getting a diagnosis. ▪ Over 900,000 people in the UK currently have dementia. This year’s campaign brings the UK together to take action on improving dementia diagnosis rates and calling on the government and NHS to prioritise dementia in policy and decision making. Getting an earlier diagnosis can help people receive the care, support and treatment they need helping to improve their quality of life. #DementiaActionWeek #DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersSociety 

An interesting examination of dementia care today and future innovations.

There isn’t one single test that tells you if you have or don’t have dementia. Getting a diagnosis is a process that can take time. But an app developed by Dementia Australia is helping to change this in a fun and engaging way. Watch part two of Fiona Tigar’s interview with Maree McCabe AM, CEO of Dementia Australia, to learn about their BrainTrack app and the positive impact it's already making in dementia care. #WhereScienceMeetsHumanity #BrainHealth #BiogenANZ

As a society, we should not be purely utilitarian, but build on European principles of solidarity, so I want to appeal to European leaders to perceive dementia as a priority. Help us get their attention #DementiaNeedsEU https://lnkd.in/e7Cw2Uau

Cultural narratives shape how we think about the world, including how we decide when the end of life begins. Hospice care has become an integral part of the end-of-life care in the United States, but as it has grown, its policies and practices have also imposed cultural narratives, like those associated with the “six-month rule” that the majority of the end of life takes place in the final six months of life. This idea is embedded in policies for a range of care practices and reimbursement processes, even though six months is not always a meaningful marker. In the case of people living with advanced dementia, six months is both too early in the trajectory to facilitate conversations and too late in the trajectory to ensure decision-making capacity. This essay encourages scholars and policy-makers to consider how cultural narratives may limit what they think is possible in care for people living with dementia. READ FREE C. L. Cain, & T. E. Quill on end of life care for people with dementia. #Alzheimers https://lnkd.in/exq5jfmV

Advance care planning for individuals with dementia is a complex scenario. A task force of the European Association for Palliative Care study highlights the need for inclusion of the individual with dementia and family; communication and attention to capacity. Proud to have been on the Empath health committee that developed the Dementia Living Will Extension #empath #livingwill #dementia https://lnkd.in/ekxB-6_N van der Steen JT, Nakanishi M, Van den Block L, Di Giulio P, Gonella S, In der Schmitten J, Sudore RL, Harrison Dening K, Parker D, Mimica N, Holmerova I, Larkin P, Martins Pereira S, Rietjens JAC, Korfage IJ; European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC). Consensus definition of advance care planning in dementia: A 33-country Delphi study. Alzheimers Dement. 2024 Feb;20(2):1309-1320. doi: 10.1002/alz.13526. Epub 2023 Nov 20. PMID: 37985444.

Incontinence is a significant challenge for those with dementia, impacting their dignity, health, and quality of life. It’s important to reflect on the challenges that are faced, for those in care and for those who are caring for others. Family carers often lack the knowledge and the support to help deal with the situation, with 49% concerned they wouldn’t know how best to care for a loved one with incontinence. TENA are proud to be supporting Alzheimer Europe for their annual conference this week, running from 8th - 10th October. The theme this year is of ‘New Horizons – Innovating for dementia’ – as a leader in continence care, we look ahead to continually raise awareness and advocate for better support for those affected. #AlzheimerEurope #PeoplewithDementia #QualityOfLife 

Almost one-third of Australians find dementia frightening, which often results in people impacted by dementia experiencing stigma and discrimination. This week (16-22 September) is Dementia Action Week with the theme – Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future. There are simple actions we can all take to reduce fear and to make our communities more dementia-friendly. For more information and resources visit Dementia Australia > https://lnkd.in/gCvfahF #DementiaActionWeek #dementiaawareness

🧠Do you know that prevention can be determinant in dementia management?🧠 The number of people living with dementia worldwide in 2019 was estimated at 57 million and is projected to increase to 153 million by 2050. The 2024 report from the Lancet Standing Commission highlights the critical role of prevention, timely intervention, and comprehensive care in managing dementia. By focusing on these pillars, we can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals at risk with dementia. To know more about the full report : link in comment #DementiaAwareness #Healthcare #Prevention #HealthyLiving #CognitiveHealth #LIRM #switzerland #research #lancetreport