Alzheimer's disease affects hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, here is what we know about the condition
Alzheimer's disease affects hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, here is what we know about the condition, having received a diagnosis in 2023.
The announcement was made by Alzheimer's Society, bringing nationwide attention to a condition that affects hundreds of thousands of people across theis the most common cause of dementia, a syndrome that affects memory, thinking abilities and other cognitive functions. It is a progressive brain disorder that gradually damages brain cells, leading to increasing difficulties with daily life.in the UK.
Although the exact cause of Alzheimer's remains unclear, researchers believe it is linked to the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells.continue to investigate why the disease develops, but several factors are thought to increase a person’s risk, such as someones age, family history and lifestyle factors which are associated with cardiovascular disease. The early signs of Alzheimer's often include memory loss, particularly forgetting recent events or conversations.
People may also experience changes in mood, difficulties with reasoning and decision-making, and problems concentrating. As the disease progresses, symptoms typically become more severe. Individuals may become increasingly confused, struggle to recognise familiar places, experience disturbed sleep patterns and have difficulty carrying out everyday tasks. In later stages, Alzheimer's can affect speech and language, mobility and personality.
Additionally, some people develop hallucinations or delusions, which may become more frequent over time. Others may display changes in behaviour, becoming more suspicious, demanding or aggressive as the disease advances. These symptoms can place considerable emotional and practical strain on both patients and their families. Dementia is estimated to affect around one million people in the UK, and that figure is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040 as the population ages.
While the condition is most commonly associated with people over the age of 65, younger individuals can also develop dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Society, people diagnosed with Alzheimer's live for an average of eight to 10 years after symptoms first appear, although this can vary significantly from person to person. The disease is named after German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described the condition back in 1906. And unfortunately more than a century later, there is still no cure.
However, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for the person with the diagnosis.
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