QMYOU / Health & Rehabilitation 15
University agreement shows dementia is serious business
HEALTH ACADEMICS FROM QMU have developed a strategic alliance with Scotland ’ s leading dementia charity in a bid to improve student understanding of dementia . The move will ensure that healthcare students at QMU have a robust education in dementia so that they are more effective as healthcare professionals when they move into the workplace . The ultimate aim is to improve the care and wellbeing of individuals with dementia and families affected by the condition across all service provision – within the NHS , private practice , social work and the voluntary sector .
Dementia is a word used to describe a group of illnesses or conditions for which there is no cure . Symptoms include memory loss , confusion , mood changes and increasing difficulty with day-to-day tasks . There are many types of dementia , with Alzheimer ’ s being the most common . Currently 800,000 people in the UK have dementia and that figure is set to rise to over a million by 2021 . In 2012 , the financial cost of dementia to the UK was more than £ 23 billion . That cost is set to spiral as the number of people living with the disease , and others affected by their illness , continues to grow .
QMU and Alzheimer Scotland have been working together for several years , but the signing of the official agreement signalled the increased level of commitment that both organisations are placing on student education . Students from across the University were invited , but the day was primarily aimed at first year students from the allied health professions , including Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy , as well as Nursing students .
Ian McMillan , Head of Division , Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies at QMU , said : “ We are very serious about educating our students about the wider considerations of dementia . All allied health professionals in employment will , at some point , work with people with dementia , as well as their families and carers . By working with Alzheimer Scotland we can equip our students to better understand people ’ s needs and to work much more effectively in the changing landscape of health and social care in Scotland .”
Henry Simmons , Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland , said : “ Dementia is one of the biggest health issues in our society and there are few families in Scotland who are not affected by this illness . We must develop better ways of treating , supporting and caring for people with dementia , to enable them to live better in their own homes and communities .
“ QMU should be commended for taking this bold step to embed dementia education into its teaching practice . This strategic alliance offers an innovative way of educating future health professionals about dementia . By working together , with QMU students , we can make a truly meaningful contribution to patient care both in the NHS and the independent healthcare sector .” ❒
Dementia bus at University Square during student awareness event .
QMYOU / Health & Rehabilitation 15