Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia is a syndrome associated with ongoing decline in brain activity, memory loss and difficulties thinking and problem solving.  Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes.  Dementia affects 500,000 people in the UK and is relatively common in the old.

Two thirds of people who suffer from Alzheimer’s in the USA are women. A new study shows that women’s cognitive impairment declines at a faster rate than men which leaves them particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer’s and other dementia related disorders.

The majority of people living with dementia feel isolated following a diagnosis.  A new study has shown that people with dementia benefit from visits even if they fail to recognise you or forget that you visited.

What does the future hold for treatment of Alzheimers?  There are many studies on going but one recent study has hit the headlines.  Scientists from Duke University in the USA have done experiments in mice and found that in Alzheimer’s, immune cells that usually protect the brain, instead consume the amino acid arginine. Using a drug called difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) they were able to prevent the formation of plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s.  But it is early days and further studies on humans are needed.

In 2013, the G8 group of nations pledged funds for research into the treatment of dementia.

The seven Alzheimers risk factors are:  obesity, depression, education levels (low education or not using your brain enough), hypertension, diabetes, smoking, lack of exercise.

Read More:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/alzheimers-breakthrough-scientists-may-have-found-potential-cause-of-the-disease-in-the-behaviour-of-10176652.html

http://www.ibtimes.com/women-are-more-vulnerable-alzheimers-dementia-men-study-2019731

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35199882

https://www.dementiauk.org/

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/