Research To Ensure The Early Detection And Diagnosis Of Dementia
Great progress has been made in recent years to develop a simple, accurate diagnostic test for the different types of dementia. ;To ensure people affected by dementia feel the benefits of this pioneering work, we must see renewed funding for research to fully validated a new diagnostic test and develop a mechanism to ensure that it can then be rolled out into the clinic.;
What Is Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting around six in every 10 people with dementia in the UK. Some people can have more than one type of dementia, for example, they might have Alzheimers as well as vascular dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. This is often called mixed dementia.
Alzheimers is not a normal part of ageing, but the chances of developing the disease do increase the older we get. The majority of people who develop the disease are over the age of 65. Sometimes, Alzheimers can affect younger people. It is thought that around 5% of people with Alzheimers are under 65, about 42,000 people. These rare cases of the disease are called early-onset Alzheimers. If you would like more information about early-onset Alzheimers, please contact us.
As we age our brains naturally shrink a little and our thought processes slow down. However in Alzheimers disease, changes that occur in the brain are different to the changes seen in normal ageing. These changes include the build-up of two proteins, called amyloid and tau. Although researchers dont yet have a complete understanding of what triggers this, both proteins are involved in the development of Alzheimers. As the disease progresses, the protein build-up damages more and more brain cells. This damage affects how our brains work and leads to the symptoms of Alzheimers.
About Alzheimers Research Uk
Who Are We
Alzheimers Research UK is the UKs leading dementia research charity dedicated to diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure.
Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, were challenging the way people think about dementia, bringing together the people and organisations who can speed up progress, and investing in cutting-edge research.
We believe that medical research can and will deliver life-changing preventions, treatments and one day, a cure for dementia. Alzheimers Research UK exists to make this happen and with your support, well make life-changing breakthroughs possible.
Our vision
Our vision is a world where people are free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.
Our location;
We are a non-branched charity at an exciting stage of expansion and development. Our busy and dynamic office is based on;Granta Park, a science park near Great Abington in Cambridgeshire.
Set on the outskirts of Cambridge, our head office is located in a modern and vibrant building, surrounded by green space.
The Power to Defeat Dementia – Alzheimer’s Research UK
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Who Does Dementia Affect
More than 920,000 people in the UK are living with dementia a number expected to rise to over a million by 2024 .
The vast majority of people with dementia are aged 65 and over, accounting for over 880,000 people. However, an estimated 40,000 people under 65 are living with dementia in the UK .
- there are over 25,000 people with dementia from black and minority ethnic groups in England and Wales, and this is estimated to rise to nearly 50,000 by 2026
- there are 209,600 new cases of dementia in the UK each year
- worldwide, around 50 million people are currently estimated to have dementia and there are 10 million new cases each year
- two thirds of people with dementia are women and over 600,000 women in the UK are now living with dementia. The condition is the leading cause of death in women in the UK.
According to Alzheimers Disease International, the total estimated worldwide cost of dementia was US $1 trillion in 2018. If dementia care were a country, it would be the worlds 18th largest economy . If dementia care were a company, it would be the worlds largest by annual revenue exceeding Apple, Google and Exxon.
Cathy Bird A Former Carer And Member Of The Uk Dri Lay Panel:
‘Im so pleased to see the call for a UK DRI Associate Director in the area of care. Like so many carers I want to find ways of preventing or curing dementia, but I also want to see research that can truly help those affect by dementia; improving their quality of life, empowering them to be able to take control of their own lives and ensuring that the communities in which they live understand and help those with this debilitating disease,
‘Involving us from the start, and as the institute develops, means we can use our very personal understanding of the impact of dementia to inform the research direction, keeping it grounded in reality and helping the researchers to deliver the transformational benefits that we all so desperately want to see.’
People with personal experience of dementia played a key role in recruiting Professor Dr Strooper as the UK DRI Director . Meeting with the UK DRI lay panel will be an integral part of the recruitment process for the new associate director too.
Joining the wider movement to improve dementia care2018 is going to be an exciting year for the advancement of research into dementia care, technology and prevention. Launching alongside our call for a UK DRI Associate Director, are two other, complementary funding calls focused on these important research areas.
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Causes Of Alzheimer’s Disease
The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells that connect to each other. In Alzheimers disease, connections between these cells are lost. This is because proteins build up and form abnormal structures called plaques and tangles. Eventually nerve cells die and brain tissue is lost.
The brain also contains important chemicals that help to send signals between cells. People with Alzheimers have less of some of these chemical messengers in their brain, so the signals are not passed on as well. There are some drug treatments for Alzheimers disease that can help boost the levels of some chemical messengers in the brain. This can help with some of the symptoms.
Alzheimers is a progressive disease. This means that gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. As this happens, more symptoms develop, and they also get worse.More than 520,000 people in the UK have dementia caused by Alzheimers disease and this figure is set to rise.
Dementia and the brain
Seeking An Inspirational Leader In Care And Technology
The UK Dementia Research Institute founders and leadership team are committed to delivering impact in both the short and longer term. We are now seeking to recruit an associate director with an exciting vision for how we can integrate a care and technology programme into the institute that will allow our research to improve lives quicker.
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More About Alzheimers Research Uk
Visit our website, to see the many ways you can add value to our cause and be a key part of our work. Volunteer with us, sign up to be involved in research studies near you or you may choose to leave a donation or a gift in your will.
Our free dedicated Infoline is available between 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Friday on 0300 111 5 111.
With your help we can change the future. Dementia shatters lives and leaves millions;heartbroken. But every pound you raise brings us closer to a cure. Fundraise, volunteer or;campaign for us – anything you can do to help will take us close to making a breakthrough.;Thank you.
How Alzheimer’s Disease Is Treated
There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms.
Various other types of support are also available to help people with Alzheimer’s live as independently as possible, such as making changes to your home environment so it’s easier to move around and remember daily tasks.
Psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy may also be offered to help support your memory, problem solving skills and language ability.
Read more about treating Alzheimer’s disease.
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How Does Alzheimers Develop
Research suggests that changes in the brain can occur up to ten years before a person starts to show symptoms of Alzheimers disease. The symptoms are usually mild at the beginning and gradually worsen over time. These may include:
- difficulty remembering recent events while having a good memory for past events
- poor concentration
- difficulty recognising people or objects
- poor organisation skills
- slow, muddled or repetitive speech
- withdrawal from family and friends
- problems with decision making, problem solving, planning and sequencing tasks
What Is The Dementia Moonshot
As part of the Conservative government’s election manifesto, they pledged to double dementia research spending over the next decade through the delivery of a ‘Dementia Moonshot’.
In practice, this should mean an extra £800 million over ten years for dementia research.
This should be a major step in the right direction. We now need to ensure these funds are committed to and;well spent.
Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges facing society, both in the UK and around the world.
Of the top ten;causes of death, dementia is the only one that cant be cured, stopped or even slowed down.
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Memory Loss & Other Symptoms Of Alzheimers
Trouble with memoryâspecifically difficulty recalling information that has recently been learnedâis often the first symptom of Alzheimerâs disease.
As we grow older, our brains change, and we may have occasional problems remembering certain details. However, Alzheimerâs disease and other dementias cause memory loss and other symptoms serious enough to interfere with life on day-to-day basis. These symptoms are not a natural part of getting older.
Alzheimer’s is not the only cause of memory loss. Many people have trouble with memory â this does NOT mean they have Alzheimer’s. There are many different causes of memory loss. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, it is best to visit a doctor so the cause can be determined.
In addition to memory loss, symptoms of Alzheimerâs include:
- Trouble completing tasks that were once easy.
- Difficulty solving problems.
- Changes in mood or personality; withdrawing from friends and family.
- Problems with communication, either written or spoken.
- Confusion about places, people and events.
- Visual changes, such trouble understanding images.
Family and friends may notice the symptoms of Alzheimerâs and other progressive dementias before the person experiencing these changes. If you or someone you know is experiencing possible symptoms of dementia, it is important to seek a medical evaluation to find the cause.
Signs And Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over many years and eventually become more severe. It affects multiple brain functions.
The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is usually minor memory problems.
For example, this could be forgetting about recent conversations or events, and forgetting the names of places and objects.
As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe and further symptoms can develop, such as:
- confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places
- difficulty planning or making decisions
- problems with speech and language
- problems moving around without assistance or performing self-care tasks
- personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others
- hallucinations; and delusions
- low mood;or anxiety
Read more about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Alzheimers Treatment And Support
While there are currently no treatments available to slow or stop the brain damage caused by Alzheimerâs disease, several medications can temporarily help improve the symptoms of dementia for some people. These medications work by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain. To learn about the availability of anti-dementia medications through the National Health System, visit Alzheimer Europe.
Help Is AvailableFind local support groups and services through the Alzheimer’s Society website.
Researchers continue to search for ways to better treat Alzheimer’s and other progressive dementias. Currently, dozens of therapies and pharmacologic treatments that focus on stopping the brain cell death associated with Alzheimer’s are underway.
In addition, having support systems in place and the use of non-pharmacologic behavioral interventions can improve quality of life for both people with dementia and their caregivers and families. This includes:
- Treatment of co-existing medical conditions
- Coordination of care among health care professionals
- Participation in activities, which can improve mood
- Behavioral interventions
- Education about the disease
- Building a care team for support
Dementia costs the UK economy £23 billion per year. That is twice that of cancer, three times the impact of heart disease and four times that of stroke.
Why Should I Sign Up To Join Dementia Research
Many people who choose to take part in dementia research do so because they value the opportunity to make a difference.
For people with dementia, taking part in research often helps them to gain a better understanding of their condition and to have their health monitored more closely. Many find it a very positive experience and feel they are making a worthwhile contribution to the future of dementia care and treatment.
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What Is Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia occurs when blood vessels in the brain are damaged. This reduces blood flow to brain cells, which affects how they work.Sometimes this blood vessel damage can cause memory and thinking problems that are not severe enough to be considered dementia. This may be called vascular cognitive impairment. The most common types of dementia are:
- Stroke-related dementia. A stroke occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly cut off. This may cause problems with movement, coordination, speech or sight depending on the part of the brain affected.
If someone has problems with memory and thinking after a stroke, they may be diagnosed with post-stroke dementia. If the problems develop after a number of strokes or mini-strokes , it may be described as multi-infarct dementia.
- Subcortical vascular dementia. This is caused by changes to very small blood vessels in the brain, often referred to as small vessel disease. The person usually does not notice these changes, but they can cause memory and thinking to get worse over time, unlike the sudden change that can happen after a stroke.
Information on these pages aims to give an introduction to vascular dementia. We hope you will find it helpful.
Introduction To The Dementia Statistics Hub
This hub is the place to go for statistical information about dementia, dementia research and our charity.; All of the data is referenced, linked to the source and shareable. To find a specific statistic just type what youre looking for into the search bar, alternatively simply browse all of the statistics using the categories below.
For help using the graphics or finding a statistic, visit the About page. If you have a question about a statistic or about the Hub in general, then please;Contact us.
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Alzheimers Research Uk And Parkrun: A Partnership For People Who Rise To The Challenge
Dementia is our greatest health challenge. One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime unless we bring about life-changing preventions and treatments.
The condition doesnt just affect memory, it can also affect a persons ability to walk, communicate and even swallow. It is the leading cause of death in the UK.
Today, there are no effective treatments to slow, stop or prevent diseases that cause dementia, such as Alzheimers. But thanks to our amazing supporters, there are now more researchers than ever working to change that and Alzheimers Research UK is spearheading efforts to translate promising discoveries in the laboratory into treatments for the future.
Alzheimers Research UK is proud to have the backing of parkrun. We are incredibly grateful that so many parkrunners have got behind our cause and raised money for groundbreaking research, many of whom are motivated to support us because they have seen loved ones affected by dementia.
A key part of our partnership is spreading the message that leading a healthy lifestyle and being socially active can protect brain health and help reduce the risk of dementia. We are determined to help parkrun continue to grow their community and promote the benefits of exercise.
We are also committed to fighting the fear and stigma that still surrounds dementia with parkrunners helping us to raise awareness of the condition.
Join #TeamARUK
Were here to help
Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented
As the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not clear, there’s no known way to prevent the condition.
But there are things you can do that may reduce your risk or delay the onset of dementia, such as:
- staying physically fit and mentally active
These measures have other health benefits, such as lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease and improving your overall mental health.
Read more about preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
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Our Brains Control Almost Everything We Think Feel Say And Do They Also Store Our Memories For Us
There are illnesses that stop a persons brain from working properly. When a person has one of these illnesses, they may have problems remembering, thinking and speaking. They might say or do things that seem strange to others, and find it harder to do everyday things. They may not seem like the person they used to be.
Doctors use the word;dementia;to describe these different problems.
Most people with dementia have;Alzheimer’s disease;or vascular dementia but there are other types too.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia is the name for a set of symptoms that includes memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia develops when the brain is damaged by diseases, including Alzheimers disease.
Alzheimers disease is a physical disease that affects the brain. It is named after Alois Alzheimer, the doctor who first described it.
Press play to watch a four-minute video about Alzheimer’s disease:
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