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In recent years, dementia research has seen significant breakthroughs, bringing increasing hope for both treatment and prevention. The field is rapidly evolving as new drugs, diagnostic tools, and a deeper understanding of the disease’s mechanisms emerge. The UK stands as a global leader in dementia research, second only to the United States in the volume of studies conducted. Crucially, there are approximately 150 dementia research studies underway in the UK at any given time, many generously supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the invaluable Join Dementia Research initiative.
UK dementia research
The types of research being conducted across the UK are incredibly varied, encompassing several key areas:
- Understanding Causes and Diagnosis: Investigating what causes the different types of dementia and striving to develop ways to diagnose them earlier.
- Improving Treatments: This extends beyond just new medications to include a wide range of strategies and approaches aimed at improving the lives of people living with dementia.
- Identifying Risk Factors: Studies dedicated to uncovering the factors that increase a person’s risk of developing dementia.
- Enhancing Care: Research focused on improving care for individuals as their dementia progresses, including ensuring the best possible end-of-life care.
Alzheimer’s treatments
According to expert consensus, including insights aligned with the Mayo Clinic, the medicines currently available for Alzheimer’s disease in the UK primarily function as a temporary aid. They can help with symptoms like memory loss and thinking problems, offering a modest boost to brain chemicals to make daily life a little easier. However, it’s vital to understand that these treatments do not halt the disease itself. They don’t prevent further brain cell death, meaning Alzheimer’s continues to worsen over time.
Despite this, experts are hopeful, albeit cautiously, about the development of new treatments that can actually slow down or even stop Alzheimer’s disease from progressing. This alone would be a monumental leap beyond simply managing symptoms. Many believe the most effective path forward may involve a ‘cocktail’ of medicines, similar to how complex diseases like cancer or HIV/AIDS are treated with multiple drugs simultaneously.
Promising new avenues for treatment
Researchers in the UK and globally are pursuing several innovative strategies:
1. Targeting Brain “Junk” (Amyloid Plaques)
Tiny, sticky clumps of a protein called ‘beta-amyloid’ accumulating in the brain, known as plaques, are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Many new treatments are attempting to eliminate them:
Antibodies:
- These immune system helpers act like a clean-up crew, aiding the body in clearing away sticky plaques and preventing their formation.
- Studies indicate they can be effective in slowing down the decline in thinking and daily abilities for people with early Alzheimer’s.
- They are typically administered via an intravenous (IV) drip every few weeks.
- UK Context: While highly promising, drugs in this class, such as Lecanemab (Leqembi) and Donanemab (Kisunla), have faced complexities in their journey to widespread availability on the NHS. Both have received marketing authorisations from the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) in the UK, deeming them safe and effective. However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has provisionally not recommended them for routine NHS use due to cost-effectiveness considerations. This means that while they are licensed, their broad accessibility within the public health system is still under review.
- Known risks include temporary brain swelling or tiny bleeds, so doctors monitor patients with MRI scans. Individuals with the APOE e4 gene and those on blood thinners might have a higher risk of bleeding.
Brain Connection Reboot: An experimental drug called Saracatinib, originally developed for cancer, showed intriguing results in mouse brains. It appeared to ‘switch on’ dormant brain connections, leading to some memory recovery. Research and further testing with Saracatinib continue, with UK researchers actively involved in understanding its potential.
Production Blocking: Some drugs were designed to stop amyloid plaques from forming from the outset. However, recent tests have generally not yielded significant success and have been associated with side effects.
2. Tackling Brain Knots (Tau Tangles)
Another critical issue in Alzheimer’s is when a protein called ‘tau’ twists into tiny fibres, forming tangles. These tangles disrupt the brain’s vital internal transport system. Researchers are actively searching for ways to prevent tau from forming these destructive tangles. Tau vaccines and new drugs are currently being tested to directly target these tangles.
3. Calming Brain Inflammation
The brains of people with Alzheimer’s often exhibit ongoing, low-level inflammation. Scientists are investigating drugs that could boost the immune system to protect the brain from this harmful inflammation.
4. Insulin Resistance and Brain Health
Research indicates that insulin affects the brain, and the link between metabolism and overall brain health is an active area of exploration.
5. Heart-to-Head Link
The saying “what’s good for your heart is good for your brain” holds significant truth. Many conditions that harm your heart and blood vessels (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and stroke) also increase the risk of dementia.
Heart Medicines: Doctors in the UK are actively investigating whether medicines commonly used for heart conditions, such as blood pressure drugs like Amlodipine (which is widely prescribed in the UK), could also benefit people with Alzheimer’s or lower their risk of developing it. Recent UK research, for instance, has highlighted Amlodipine’s potential in improving blood flow in vascular dementia models.
Healthy Habits: Adopting a healthy, balanced lifestyle, including a good diet and a moderate amount of regular exercise, remains a powerful and accessible way to help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This message is consistently championed by public health bodies and charities across the UK.
How can Cavendish Homecare help?
At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing Dementia homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and well-being, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.
If you would like to enquire about our homecare services, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.