The home’s dementia floor utilises the very latest research in dementia care focussing on a person’s abilities. Dementia-signposting will assist with orientation and a reminiscence room is a key focal point.

All residents have access to carefully planned activities and a wide range of professionals including a hairdresser, chiropodist, optician and GP.

The Priory Group also has specialist care homes for adults under 65 years providing care for those requiring neuro-rehabilitation or who have complex physical and learning disabilities.

Sharon Butler, managing director of Priory Group Care Homes Division said: “We are investing in older people’s services over the next few years. Berelands House has been well received by healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the nursing and dementia nursing services it provides for local people in Prestwick. We are very proud to be a part of the local community and look forward to welcoming many visitors to our new home on 18th March.

“The Open Day will give people the opportunity to tour the home, meet the team and ask any questions they may have about the care available.”

Alzheimer Scotland will also have representatives on hand to offer advice and information.

The open afternoon/evening is on 18th March between 4pm and 8.30pm and refreshments will be served.

For more information, please contact Caroline Walker on 01325 383886

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Jo Hilton, who works with the Person Centred Therapy Scotland organisation, said the exclusion of counselling as a treatment for the illness was wrong.

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) recently announced that there wasn’t sufficient evidence for counselling as a successful treatment of depression, which affects thousands across the Capital.

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To read more, see the full article. (The Scotsman. 23 Feb 2010)

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A team at Edinburgh University studied more than 900 men and women aged between 60 and 75 with type 2 diabetes, which tends to affect the over-40s and is associated with memory problems.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 22 Feb 2010)

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Scotland aims to become the first country in the world to successfully tackle the problem of obesity, which could cost the nation up to £3 billion a year by 2030.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison unveiled the Scottish Government’s strategy to tackle the problem as a report predicted the number of Scots classed as obese will double to 40% by that year if current trends continue.

She said: “Obesity is a huge threat to Scotland’s future and we are committed to tackling this. No country in the world has successfully addressed obesity - and we want Scotland to be the first.”

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 22 Feb 2010)

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A legendary US film critic has been given his voice back thanks to a Scottish research team.

Roger Ebert, 67, lost the ability to speak almost four years ago, following life-saving cancer surgery.

He has since relied on hand-written notes, a form of sign language and a basic voice synthesiser to communicate.

Now a company based at Edinburgh University is using new computer technology to let him communicate with his own voice once again.

Mr Ebert is said to be “excited” about the move and he is expected to demonstrate the system in a TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Scottish firm CereProc is the company behind the development.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 19 Feb 2010)

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Fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common type of dementia in the under 65s and can result in a complete personality change.

The researchers studied the brains of 515 people with FTD and found the gene on chromosome 7.

A charity said this could open the door to new treatments for the disease.

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To read more, see the full article. (BBC News. 15 Feb 2010)

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Scientists who advise governments around the world on alcohol policy have written to Scotland’s politicians urging them to set a minimum price for drink.

The experts from the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand sent the letter to all MSPs saying they should adopt the controversial measure to ban cheap alcohol.

In the letter, the advisers say there is good reason to believe setting a minimum price will help to curb dangerous drinking behaviour.

Alcohol kills six people every day in Scotland and the number of people with alcohol-related liver disease has increased by 52% since 1998.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 12 Feb 2010)

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The Scottish Government is ready to impose cigarette-style health warnings on alcoholic drinks if manufacturers do not comply with a voluntary labelling agreement, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has revealed.

Ms Sturgeon said it was vital to have clear information on drinks’ packaging and that the Government would “not hesitate” to intervene if the industry fails to take action itself.

Her comments came as the Department of Health launched a UK-wide consultation on alcohol labelling, with the backing of the devolved parliaments.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 15 Feb 2010)

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Families with newly-diagnosed deaf children are invited to a free information and support weekend.
The event will give families the chance to learn more about childhood deafness and discuss any worries they have, as well as meeting others in the same position.

Iain Simpson, family weekends manager of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “The weekend event in Edinburgh will be a powerful source of support for families, providing them with a positive view of deafness. It will bring families together, so they can share their experiences and understand they are not alone.

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To read more, see the full article. (The Scotsman. 08 Feb 2010)

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Volunteers are wanted for a clinical research initiative aimed at tackling the void of dementia studies in Scotland.

The Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network (SDCRN) wants to treble the pool of potential participants on its register by the time its current funding cycle ends in July 2011.

Set up in August 2008 with a £1million stipend from Scotland Chief Scientist’s Office, the network is designed to act as a middle man for dementia studies by amassing a database of people diagnosed with the disease who can then be matched up to researchers’ needs.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 7 Feb 2010)

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