Occupational Therapy: Aberdeenshire Council

It's Dementia Action Week an awareness campaign organised by the Alzheimer's Society

Here in the North East of Scotland, research teams are working hard to improve the future for people affected by dementia.

Scientists and clinicians from the University of Aberdeen, NHS Grampian and NHS Highland have recently shown that changes linked to dementia may be detected years before symptoms appear, opening new possibilities for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
🔗 https://www.nhsgcharities.com/2026/04/27/new-research-shows-gut-biopsies-could-predict-dementia-parkinsons-and-mnd-years-before-symptoms-develop/

Alongside this, NHS Grampian’s Brain Health Service is helping people understand and reduce their risk of developing dementia through early support, advice, and tailored plans.
🔗https://www.nhsgrampian.org/brainhealth

Across Scotland, the NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network supports a wide range of clinical studies, working to improve care, diagnosis, and treatment options for people living with dementia.

You can check which clinical trials are open in Aberdeen on our Trials Near You pages
🔗https://grampianclinicalresearch.com/trials

🌍 Global Accessibility Awareness Day 🌍
Today we’re celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day and the important role Occupational Therapy plays in making everyday life more accessible for everyone.
OTs help spot and reduce barriers that can make daily tasks harder, whether that’s at home, at work, in school or out in the community. From simple adaptations and equipment to creative problem‑solving, our goal is to help people do the things that matter most to them.
Accessibility isn’t just about buildings or technology it’s about creating spaces and routines that work for real people 💚

Adapting activities like arts, crafts, gardening and enjoying nature can support wellbeing and inclusivity. Here are some of our top tips for enjoying spring activities.

Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership - AHSCP

Regulated by Royal College of Occupational Therapists

See links and references below-
https://www.reddit.com/r/GardeningUK/comments/15snucu/inexpensive_raised_garden_bed_ideas/

https://www.therange.co.uk/garden/garden-tools-and-gardening-equipment/garden-hand-tools/gardening-tools-telescopic

https://www.essentialaids.com/work-leisure/gardening/set-of-4-easi-grip-long-reach-tools.html

https://www.mobilitysmart.co.uk/ergonomic-handled-garden-tools

https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=nature+photos

https://www.gardendesign.com/houseplants/best-indoor.html

https://www.primary.com/blogs/using-our-words/october-leaf-art-activity

https://foxfarmhome.com/leaf-art-butterfly/

https://www.tts-group.co.uk/tts-developmental-pencil-grip

https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/ideas/how-to-punch-needle.html

https://sarahmaker.com/how-to-punch-needle/

It is Alzheimer's Society Dementia Awareness Week and we are more than happy to join in to raise awareness.

Alzheimer's Scotland have a Dementia Friends initiative which supports learning more about dementia and what it is like to live with dementia therefore reducing the stigma surrounding it. It, in turn, benefits the people we meet and know living with dementia. See the link below to become a Dementia Friend-
www.alzscot.org/community-support/dementia-friends-scotland/

www.alzscot.org

Occupational Therapy at Aberdeenshire Council regulated by RCOT

RRoyal College of Occupational Therapists

Dementia Friends Scotland Anyone can become a Scottish Dementia Friend. It’s just about understanding a bit more about dementia and the small things you can do to help.

Coming up next month!

Living Well in Kincardine & Mearns Community Appointment Day, taking place on Thursday 11 June, from 1pm to 7:30pm, at Stonehaven Town Hall.

The free event is being organised by GP practices across Kincardine & Mearns in partnership with Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership, NHS Grampian, Live Life Aberdeenshire, community organisations, charities and local voluntary groups.

The aim of the event is simple: to make it easier for people to understand their health, find local support, and take small steps towards living well.
On the day, people will be able to:
• Have friendly conversations with healthcare professionals about “what matters to you”
• Access health checks related to heart health, blood pressure and diabetes risk (limited places available)
• Take part in functional fitness checks for those aged 50 and over
• Meet local community groups, charities and activity providers
• Learn about practical support available close to home
• Take part in Taster sessions of Yoga and Tai Chi

While some people aged 35 to 60 have been invited directly by their GP practice, the event is open to everyone. You don’t need an appointment to attend, and there’s no pressure to undertake any tests or get involved in anyway that people are uncomfortable with.

The Community Appointment Day will focus on living well with a particular emphasis on helping people to understand their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and early signs of frailty and loss of functional fitness. .

Living Well in K&M reflects a growing focus on prevention and early support, bringing services together under one roof and into the heart of the community.

❤️

Aberdeenshire Council NHS Grampian NHS Grampian Public Health Live Life Aberdeenshire Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network Aberdeenshire ADP

It's Action Week!

Here are a few websites which share tips and ideas to create an for people living with dementia-

www.agescotland.org.uk
www.dementia.stir.ac.uk/our-services/ea-ddat

Tips- contrasting colours, good lighting, reduce reflective surfaces, avoid patterned surfaces (flooring/curtains/crockery) and signage.

People can live well with dementia and have lives.



Aberdeenshire Council Occupational Therapy regulated by www.rcot.co.uk

✨The Independent Living Hub✨

Drop by our next session at the Independent Living Hub, Forest View in Stonehaven on Thursday 7th May between 11am and 1pm 🤝