World-class video guides produced by The Sound Doctor raising awareness of dementia’s symptoms and effects have been launched to the public online. 

The Sound Doctor’s YouTube channel now includes videos about the disease’s early symptoms, risk of isolation and communication challenges, presented by national and international experts and supported by the Newcastle University Institute for Ageing and the Academic Health Science Network.

Dementia is the leading cause of death in England and Wales, but funds into its research and treatment still fall woefully short compared to cancer and heart disease. The launch of these videos is therefore especially important for sharing some of the most reliable advice and latest findings about the disease.

Dr Steve Parry, Consultant Geriatrician at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Things that people don’t often clue as part of dementia are changes in movement: how you move; your gait and balance. Changes in how you relate to others and the outside world; apathy, then not wanting to be part of things anymore.”

Often, a dementia sufferer’s awareness of their declining ability to interact means staying home alone feels the only safe option. The videos share the experiences of both sufferers and their families alike, highlighting some of the better ways to manage those day to day emotions.

Dr Andrew Teodorczuk, Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist at the Centre for Health of the Elderly in Newcastle, said: “The patient is still able to experience emotions and would still be able to be comforted, be able to be loved and be able to be happy in that state, and therefore, one must always try and remember the person that was there, and always look after them in a very compassionate way.”

The new short videos are called:

•          Dementia – Early symptoms of dementia
•          Don’t hide away from dementia
•          Communicating with someone who has dementia

Rosie Runciman, co-founder at The Sound Doctor, said: “We know that the more information we provide to sufferers and carers, the better they become at managing the challenges when they present themselves. Videos like these provide helpful guidance and education, which in turn reduces the demand on other healthcare services.”

Until the end of April 2017, The Sound Doctor is offering access to all 40 of its films on dementia for £5,000. The same offer is also available for a suite of videos about COPD or diabetes.

The Sound Doctor has a library of more than 250 films covering six key areas of health – COPD, diabetes, back pain, dementia, heart failure and weight management surgery.

The Sound Doctor also produces health and wellness animations, many of which are used in GP surgeries across the country.

The Sound Doctor’s five main aims are to:

•  reduce the number of avoidable admissions (and readmissions) to hospital
• reduce the need for face-to-face contact with consultants, physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and others - and to improve the quality of meetings that do take place
• improve medicines management and compliance with medications
• improve the quality of care for patients (and patient experience of their care)
• help people get the most out of life through effective self-management

The Sound Doctor’s films are endorsed by leading charities, adhere to NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines and have received the following testimonials:

“Improving the care of people with dementia and providing support for their carers is a national priority. Providing information about dementia in an accessible form is a key component for this. The suite of resources developed by the Sound Doctor is an excellent example of how this information can be disseminated.”

Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia, NHS England

“It’s vitally important people with dementia and their families have access to information and support after a diagnosis. This comprehensive set of films looks at dementia from a number of angles – from explaining the early symptoms to practical advice once you’ve been diagnosed. With input from people living with the condition, carers, clinicians and other experts in the field they are an excellent resource for patients and families.” Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society

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