Health & Wellbeing Archives

Investigation: True impact of dementia revealed as deaths in Aberdeenshire and Highlands soar in last 20 years

Picture shows line graph demonstrating the rising number of deaths related to the disease.

October 11, 2023

Our population is aging and with that the impact of dementia is rising - from finances to care homes, our health care system and deaths. We take an in-depth look at the data surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's. Read More

Marykutty Joykutty is an energetic presence on ARI's wards. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Marykutty Joykutty: The ‘exceptional’ Aberdeen nurse winning plaudits from her patients

The nurse from Kerala arrived in a freezing Aberdeen nearly 20 years ago wearing four layers, and displaying an inexhaustible energy that hasn't dimmed.

By Andy Morton

Debbie Stewart recovers in hospital, left, after donating a kidney. The Bristow Helicopters planning manager wants more people to know about altruistic donations. Image: Debbie Stewart/DC Thomson/Kath Flannery

Colpy woman, 34, donates kidney to stranger — and wants you to do the same

Two years after her left kidney was removed, Debbie Stewart has no regrets about being an 'altruistic donor'.

By Andy Morton

The NHS blood test for Alzheimer's will be easy to administer and more accurate, its backers say. Image: Shutterstock

Aberdeen drug maker TauRx hails NHS Alzheimer’s blood test project

TauRx's world-leading Alzheimer's treatment is set to benefit from the blood test, which could be available within five years.

By Andy Morton

Ron Coleman has been on a whirlwind journey since he was diagnosed with a cognitive impairment six years ago. Image: Supplied by Ron Coleman

Ron Coleman is a playwright, poet, dancer and painter – he also has dementia

The Isle of Lewis man has achieved so much since his diagnosis and and has even written a musical about dementia.

By Andy Morton

A legend in his own lunchtime. Andy Morton takes the stage at Elgin's Moray Sports Centre. Image: DC Thomson/Jason Hedges

They will rock you: How a Parkinson’s drumming class in Elgin brought out my inner rocker

Class members say it reduces the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease. But more importantly, as our health reporter Andy Morton found out, it's a whole lot of fun.

By Andy Morton

Together again. From left to right, Menna Forgrieve, Megan McLeod, Anne Shearer, Kev McPhee-Smith, Donna Duncan and Zoe Meldrum.

Drumoak cyclist’s emotional appearance to honour 4 nurses who saved his life on A93

There were tears all round when Kev McPhee-Smith showed up unannounced at the Daisy Awards ceremony a year on from his roadside cardiac arrest.

By Andy Morton

Two pics of Andy Morton, the Press and Journal health and wellbeing reporter and author of this article. In one he is pouring a bottle of beer down a sink and in the other he is drinking a coffee while pouring beer down a sink.

My caffeine diary: Giving up coffee for a month was harder than quitting alcohol

I cut out booze almost nine years ago so instead of Sober October I stopped drinking coffee for a month. Easy, right?

By Andy Morton

Parents of children with ADHD could be in for a stressful time as medication shortages hit the north and north-east. Image: Shutterstock

NHS Grampian advises parents to ration children’s ADHD medication amid shortages

A north-east parent warned of stressful times as pharmacies run out while an Inverness adult with ADHD said the shortages are already dire.

By Andy Morton

A picture of the front of Oldmeldrum Dental Practice combined with a picture of a woman being examined by a dentist.

Fears for NHS patients as Oldmeldrum dentist goes private for those 26 and up

A new Scottish Government payment scheme designed to make NHS treatment more profitable doesn't go far enough, dentists are warning.

By Andy Morton

My Health Journey: Inspiring stories every Sunday

Sign up to our health and wellbeing newsletter

Our reporters regularly provide insights on all things health and wellbeing - the latest with the NHS and the medical discoveries that could change your life. Read More

February 3, 2022