HEALTH AND WELLBEING
DO I HAVE ALZHEIMER ’ S ?
Take the guesswork out of diagnosis and benefit from pioneering clinical trials
Most of us probably know someone affected by Alzheimer ’ s . It ’ s the most common cause of dementia in the UK and is on the rise as we all live longer , according to Alzheimer ’ s Society . It ’ s also the biggest killer in the 55-plus age group .
Alzheimer ’ s is a progressive disease , which means symptoms develop gradually over many years . It affects brain functions , which cause significant changes in the way we think and behave as well as bodily functions as it progresses .
At present there is no cure . And , surprisingly , there is no routine NHS health check for it .
“ People with Alzheimer ’ s in the family may have a genetic risk or biomarker presence , increasing their risk compared to those without ,” says Vicky Eyre from Re : Cognition Health , a world leader in clinical trials around Alzheimer ’ s and dementia .
“ At present , people with the disease face long waits to be diagnosed and supported on the NHS ,” she continues . “ All that anyone can hope for is symptomatic management as opposed to treatment .”
Vicky is director of clinical trials at Re : Cognition Health , which operates across the UK and specialises in treatment for cognitive diseases and conditions , including ADHD and autism , dementia and mental health . It has been conducting cognitive clinical trials for over 12 years for major international drugs companies . In Winchester it is based at the independent Healthshare clinic in Chilcomb .
“ We ’ re currently testing drugs that are designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer ’ s disease and in some cases halt its progression altogether ,” Vicky says .
“ Taking part in our clinical trial provides a unique opportunity for people in Winchester to get early diagnosis and benefit from what we believe might be one of the biggest pharmaceutical advances of our time for treating the disease . We are also keen to hear from people without cognitive concerns but who have family members with Alzheimer ’ s .”
Anyone over 50 can sign up to be part of a trial – which typically runs from 12 months to five years . Participants receive expenses plus comprehensive ongoing cognitive testing as well as the option to benefit from new drugs that can have positive effects if they have Alzheimer ’ s .
“ Re : Cognition Health ’ s trials can ’ t promise a cure for Alzheimer ’ s – yet ,” Vicky says . “ But what they do is provide participants with comprehensive cognitive health monitoring and access to the latest medications being tested .
“ Whether you have the disease or are at risk of developing it , this is an opportunity to potentially make a real difference to the future of Alzheimer ’ s treatment .”
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