Couple's life 'transformed' by university research team

HERALDED FOR DIAGNOSIS AND CARE OF THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

- By SAM VOLPE

A COUPLE have revealed that life would have been "intolerable" without the support of an award-winning Newcastle University team that has "transformed" the understanding of a form of dementia.

This comes as Newcastle University has won praise from the Prime Minister and been awarded a Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education - the highest national honour available in the UK for universities.

The award is in recognition of work supporting the diagnosis and care for those living with Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), which has been invaluable to Cleadon’s Nigel Thomas.

Nigel, 79, has the condition and said it had hit his confidence and had a real impact on his wife, Heather. However, both paid tribute to the care and support he had received.

Nigel said: "I have lost some confidence in being independent. I now rely on my wife to organise much of my life although I do many of the basic household activities. Before diagnosis and during early treatment I was confused, as I couldn't understand what was happening to me.

"I know some of my behaviour had changed; for example, I have become obsessive in ensuring I was carrying my wallet, spectacles and phone. I have also become slower in movement and I have lost some height.

"I dread to think what my circumstances would be if we had not met Professor John-Paul Taylor and his team and received comparatively early intervention with a tailored regime of vital medication, which is constantly reviewed.

"Furthermore, I am appreciative of the team’s sensitivity, consideration, referrals and constant academic enquiry."