According to a new study, forgot your senior moments could be an early sign of dementia. However, new hopes have emerged recently from the first details of a new drug that could slow the pace of brain decline for patients with early stage Alzheimer's disease.
Recent data coming from the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly suggests its solanezumab drug might be able to cut the rate of dementia's progression by about a third. Experts have received the results presented to a conference in the U.S. with a cautious optimist. But despite that, dementia still remains an incurable chronic disease for those with more advanced stages.
Meanwhile, in Europe, other reasons for being optimistic have emerged. According to a report, in parts of western Europe the number of people living with dementia is levelling off. The study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge shows that contrary to predictions that cases would soar, the proportion of elderly people suffering of this chronic medical condition in the UK has fallen. The scientists explained that improvements in levels of education and health might be protecting people from the disease.
People seem to be better informed about the lifestyle factors that can help improve their outcomes. A few healthy lifestyle rules provide a simple way to keep dementia at bay. According to experts, while modern medicine has yet to find a cure for the disease, people could follow some easy tips that can delay its onset as well as its severity.
A growing body of research has pointed out that making just a few simple lifestyle changes can lead to a significant long-term impact on dementia risk. According to Alzheimer's experts following a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, keeping the mind active and getting regular health check-ups could dramatically minimize the chances of developing the disease.
According to the director of the Alzheimer's Disease Centre at UT Southwestern Medical Centre in the U.S., Dr Roger Rosenberg, staying mentally and physically active can alleviate many of dementia's symptoms even if the onset of the disease is directly related to ageing.
According to another Alzheimer's expert, Marie Marley, Ph.D., a vital role plays the caregiver's support and attitude toward the patient. She is the author of Come Back Early Today: A Memoir of Love, Alzheimer's and Joy, a book that gives advice and inspiration for Alzheimer's caregivers everywhere. The award-winning work shows how a caregiver can solve specific problems that arise when caring for a person with Alzheimer's.
