Alzheimer’s Research UK talk at Rotary Club of Ely highlights dementia impact and prevention
On Thursday 28 August, the Rotary Club of Ely welcomed Sarah Grix from Alzheimer’s Research UK to Ely Bowls Club for an insightful talk on dementia research and prevention.
Dementia in the UK
Sarah explained that Alzheimer’s Research UK is the country’s leading dementia research charity, working towards finding a cure. At present, around one million people in the UK are living with dementia, which costs the economy an estimated £43 billion a year through hospital care and the loss of earnings for carers and partners.
Dementia is caused by the build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. These proteins damage and eventually kill brain cells and their connections. Silent changes occur years before symptoms appear, making them irreversible by the time they are diagnosed.
Common symptoms include:
- memory loss
- confusion of time and place
- difficulty speaking
- hallucinations and delusions
- personality changes
- reduced social awareness
- neglect of personal care
At present there are no medicines that can cure dementia.
Reducing the risk
While there is no cure yet, Sarah highlighted that lifestyle choices can make a difference. Risk can be reduced by up to 43% through:
- keeping blood pressure under control
- not smoking
- following a balanced diet
- staying physically active
- joining social groups or stimulating the brain with activities
- drinking fewer than 14 units of alcohol a week
Research and funding
Alzheimer’s Research UK collaborates with universities across the UK. In July alone, the charity funded £4 million of research. Last year, it raised £60 million, with 98% of funding coming from public donations, regular givers, and gifts left in wills.
Currently, for every four researchers studying cancer, there is just one working on dementia – underlining the urgent need for further investment.
More information is available at www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
Rotary Club of Ely
The Rotary Club of Ely regularly hosts guest speakers on a wide range of topics and always welcomes new members. To find out more, email info@rotaryclubofely.co.uk