Dementia research at crucial point but if no cure comes lifestyle changes can improve our chances

RESEARCHERS at Newcastle University are to share in a £7m grant to help us better understand Alzheimer's Disease. Could we be on the cusp of a major breakthrough in our understanding of Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia?

The study, involving 250 participants with the early stages of the disease, promises to be the one of the most in-depth assessments ever, looking at aspects even as subtle as how a person with early Alzheimer’s walks, with the hope of being able to identify the disease at an stage before the individual is affected by the classic memory issues associated with dementia.

Although there has been much financial input into researching the disease in recent years, it has been suggested that there has been relatively little progress as most studies recruited patients with advanced disease, where irreversible damage to the brain has already occurred. Unfortunately these changes to the brain probably start at least ten years before the person suffers with any memory loss. It is hoped that if patients can be identified at a very early stage, treatment may commence before any damage to the brain has occurred.

This will come as heart-warming news for news for many individuals and families affected by the disease. Alzheimer’s, named after the physician who first identified the disease, is the commonest form of dementia. Currently there are around half a million people living with a diagnosis in the UK. Its commonest association is with advancing years, and with an ageing population, this figure is set to climb.

Alzheimer’s occurs when normal brain tissue is replaced by non-functioning matter. In addition there is a reduction in one of the important chemicals, acetylcholine, which is essential in sending messages through the brain itself.

As mentioned earlier, the onset of Alzheimer’s is often insidious. Affected individuals may initially have minor problems including forgetting names or failing to attend routine appointments. As the disease progresses, this becomes more pervasive, to the point where the person is unable to look after themselves. Some individuals are able to identify their own decline, whereas in others, it is close family members who first raise concerns.

There are several other diseases, varying from depression to an underactive thyroid gland, which may mimic dementia, including Alzheimer’s, in its early stages. Low mood and mental slowing can be a feature of all three of the diseases above. It is important to mention that Alzheimer’s is not due to old age, and is distinct from natural memory loss associated with getting older.

If you feel that either you or a relative may be suffering from dementia, it may be very helpful to raise these issues with your routine GP, who will be perfectly placed to explore these fears with you, and organise investigations as appropriate. Often sufferers may have an unnatural worry about being diagnosed with dementia, however all the evidence points to early diagnosis being key to better outcomes.

Current treatment is based on medication as well as physical and psychological treatments, and aims to keep the individual as active for as long as possible, and in their environment of choice. There is support available for carers and families, including respite care when needed. Sadly, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, however research is constantly pushing the boundaries of available treatments.

Thankfully we can all help to lessen our risk of developing Alzheimer’s and indeed any of the dementias. Although it was previously thought that it was only vascular dementia that was associated with raised blood pressure, obesity and lack of physical conditioning, we now know that treatment of raised blood pressure including smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise all help reduce an individual’s risk of suffering with Alzheimer’s too.

Although there have been several trials looking at foodstuffs which may prevent Alzheimer’s, currently there is no evidence to recommend a particular diet, and the most sensible advice would be to follow a balanced, healthy diet, with avoidance of excessive amounts of fats or sugars.

Likewise it has been suggested that red wine prevented dementia, yet there is not enough evidence to recommend this and certainly should not encourage teetotal individuals to feel the need to start drinking.

In conclusion, a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle may hopefully reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, if you or someone close to you feels they may have the disease, early and prompt recognition is key to maintaining independence and quality of life for the longest time possible.

Helpful websites:
Alzheimers.org.uk
Patient.info/doctor/alzheimers-disease