Simple sleep changes can help people with dementia

Routine provides calm

- Hanna Geissler

EASY modifications to sleep habits can improve the lives of people with dementia and family carers, a study has found.

Scientists at University College London developed a world-first programme which provides six hours of support for carers to learn and test new techniques.

Philip Robinson, 70, and his wife Charman, 73, were among hundreds of volunteers who trialled methods including the use of light boxes, increasing daytime activity and building bedtime routines.

Former dyslexia tutor Charman was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a rare form of Alzheimer's that affects speech and language, 10 years ago.

Philip said: "As things progressed, Charman slept much more lightly, would find it difficult getting to sleep and often woke early. It grew as a problem.

"She was waking up at night, sometimes having some behavioural problems, she was unstable on her feet. If she got up there was a risk she would have a fall."