Life

New drug trials may offer hope for Alzheimer's sufferers

Dementia is the most feared health condition of our time but it might not stay that way forever. Abi Jackson reports on developments in combating the condition

Getting a timely diagnosis will enable people with dementia to live as well as possible
Getting a timely diagnosis will enable people with dementia to live as well as possible Getting a timely diagnosis will enable people with dementia to live as well as possible

IF you thought you might have dementia, would you head straight to your GP, or would you hold off as long as possible?

If it's the latter, you're not alone – a recent survey carried out by the Alzheimer's Society found that over half of people (56 per cent) admit putting off seeking a dementia diagnosis for a year or more.

Problems with memory are often an early symptom, and half (52 per cent) of the study respondents said if they experienced confusion or difficulty recalling recent events, they'd wait until this had reached a point where it was affecting their work and personal life, before speaking to their doctor about it.

This largely comes down to fear: people are anxious what it would mean if they were found to have dementia.

Almost two-thirds (62 per cent) said they felt a diagnosis would mean their life was over. Additionally, 58 per cent were worried that getting dementia would stop them enjoying things they usually enjoy, 45 per cent think they'd instantly have to stop driving, 22 per cent fear they'd lose their partner or friends, while 49 per cent admitted they'd worry people would think they were 'mad'.

As the charity notes, the findings highlight there are still a number of myths and possibly inaccurate preconceptions around the condition.

"Too many people are in the dark about dementia – many feel that a dementia diagnosis means someone is immediately incapable of living a normal life, while myths and misunderstanding continue to contribute to the stigma and isolation that many people will feel," says Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer's Society chief executive.

"We know that dementia is the most feared health condition of our time and there's no question that it can have a profound and devastating impact on people, their family and friends – but getting a timely diagnosis will enable people with dementia to live as well as possible.

"We want everyone to know that Alzheimer's Society is here for anyone affected by the condition and there are lots of ways we can help you."

Around 850,000 people in the UK are living with a dementia diagnosis; experts expect this figure to reach a million by 2025. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, which mostly affects over-65s and slightly more women than men.

Alzheimer's is progressive, usually starting with mild memory problems which worsen over time, along with increased confusion, disorientation, possible low mood and personality changes, and difficulty with speech, language and carrying out everyday tasks.

The disease can also hugely impact loved ones and close family members, who often become carers.

The nature of symptoms can be deeply distressing and isolating, but there are often many practical, and financial, factors to be considered too. Knowing where to turn for support can be confusing and an extra stress if you're not sure where to start.

There's no cure at present, though there may be grounds for hope in the future: international clinical trials are taking place around new drugs that could delay the onset and progress of Alzheimer's symptoms.

As neuroradiologist Dr Emer MacSweeney, CEO and medical director of the company behind the drugs, Re:Cognition Health, explains, the drugs will work by either reducing the production of proteins associated with Alzheimer's, or increasing clearance of protein plaques that get deposited in the brain.

This potentially marks a key turning point, as current Alzheimer's treatments can only mask symptoms, rather than addressing the cause, specifically reducing amyloid and tau proteins, which are responsible for the cognitive brain cell damage associated with the disease.

Though it's still a long way off and uncertain at this stage, Dr MacSweeney says the hope is that one day, we'll be able to screen people for dementia, and treat them before it progresses – similar to how we are currently able to screen people for conditions like high cholesterol.

"Those found to have high cholesterol are advised to take a statin – to reduce, or keep under control, cholesterol, so as to reduce the risk of developing problems like heart disease, rather than wait until somebody has already developed severe heart disease, when it may be too late," she explains.

"We can take the same approach with high blood sugar, and high blood pressure – screening and then treating early to prevent problems further down the line. Hopefully we will eventually be able to do the same with dementia."

:: For more information on Alzheimer’s Society services see www.alzheimers.org.uk/northernireland/.