A significant proportion of new fathers may suffer from postnatal depression – with knock-on effects on the psyche of their offspring, reports The Guardian. Postnatal depression is usually something that is associated with new mothers. However, with a significant proportion of new fathers now suffering from depression, it is important that the problem is recognized read more »

A radical approach to dementia care may become part of a future Conservative government’s policy reports the Times. Specal (Specialised Early Care for Alzheimer’s) was developed by Penny Garner and is based on 30 years of working with people who have dementia. Penny may have no medical training or nursing qualifications, but the professionals are read more »

A recent survey investigating underage drinking has found that the excessive alcohol consumption of many teenagers can be put down to boredom, reports the BBC. When questioning a number of teenagers between the ages of 16 and 17 year olds the charity Drinkaware found that 8% admitted when questioned that their drinking is purely down read more »

Tranquilisers and over-the-counter drugs are too readily available, causing over two million people to develop addictions to them, reports the Independent. Drugs such as benzodiazepines (tranquillisers) and opiate-based painkillers (such as morphine and codeine) can have serious side-effects, as well as being habit-forming. There has been a huge rise in addiction to these legal drugs, read more »

Middle-aged people can increase their risk of developing dementia if they drink, smoke, or have high blood pressure or diabetes, reports the BBC. A US study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry found that under-55s who smoke increase their risk five times, and having diabetes will triple it. Over 11,000 people aged read more »