Blog: Combatting dementia in the older ex-service community

Is there a link between military service and dementia?  Research suggests post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss, smoking and alcohol misuse, health issues more common in the ex-service community, do increase the risk of dementia.  However, a recent study by the University of Glasgow compared Scottish military veterans aged up to 73 years with those who had never served and found no evidence that service makes dementia more likely.

Yet dementia remains a big issue.  The ex-service community in Scotland is older than the population generally, and dementia risk rises with age.  That’s why charities in Unforgotten Forces, the partnership boosting wellbeing for older ex-service men and women, have adapted their support.

Fares4Free,which helps ex-service men and women overcome transport problems, is launching guided taxi tours to make life better for those living with dementia, in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Shetland. The tours will take clients and their carers to areas of significance to them, and to local landmarks, with friendly drivers and digital ‘sound boards’ offering sound effects, facts and stories about tour locations.

As that initiative starts, another reaches a satisfying conclusion. Since 2017 Erskine care homes have hosted artists-in-residence, enabling residents with dementia to get their creative juices flowing. This ground-breaking 3-year project is a collaboration with Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing charity.  “Being creative can be joyful, social, and confidence and self-esteem boosting,” says Luminate Director Anne Gallacher. “Frequently care homes offer creative activities only to big groups, which some people with dementia find off-putting. Our artists were able to work with residents individually or in very small groups.”

“Many residents enjoyed being out in nature, so we set up sheds for each home as indoors/outdoors arts spaces,” says Anne.   We’re now completing a sculpture trail in the woods at Erskine’s Bishopton estate, where residents’ art can be enjoyed for years to come.  Being able to display your work really matters to so many of them.” 

Arts opportunities extend beyond care homes.  “There are dementia advisers and supporters across Scotland who can tell you what’s available locally,” says Anne.  “Luminate itself coordinates a network of dementia-friendly singing groups.  Just find something you love – that is massively empowering and life-affirming.”

Read the full story in the current issue of Unforgotten Forces magazine.