Channel 4’s recent documentary ‘Jon Snow: A Last Big Story’, in association with the Alzheimer’s Society, highlights the reality of what living with Alzheimer’s can look like, with its partial focus on destigmatising diagnoses, and how we live alongside those living with the condition.
There are currently almost 1 million people living with Dementia in the UK and, if current trends continue, this number will increase to 1.4 million by 20401.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive condition which leads to the gradual decline of brain function, impacting memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities. The condition can cause confusion, agitation, difficulty making decisions, and issues with speech and mobility.
The Importance of an Early Diagnosis
An early diagnosis can improve quality of life as it can help loved ones and caregivers plan for the future, including ways to help those living with dementia maintain their independence, safety, and overall well-being.
Although there is currently no cure for dementia, early diagnosis allows for the initiation of treatments, which can help slow its progression, manage symptoms, and potentially provide easier and faster access to support services, preventing burnout from caregivers, providing assistance and relief, and ensuring better care.
Furthermore, an early diagnosis may mean that people living with Alzheimer’s can be more aware and capable participating in clinical trials, which advance understanding of the condition, the development of potential new treatments and maybe even one day find a cure.
The Future of Dementia Research
This documentary and the work of charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society, can help educate and break down the stigma that often comes attached to a diagnosis, which will hopefully pave the way for the mutual understanding that individuals with dementia can still be valuable members of society.
Understanding the realities and complexities of dementia can help us develop better strategies to support those affected and foster a more compassionate society. Continued awareness of this condition could help encourage future trials and further research to find new treatments or even a cure.
Here at MAC Clinical Research, we provide free memory tests for over 50’s who think they may have memory issues, through our Memory Assessment Clinics, and we are looking for people who would like to take part in a clinical trial researching a potential new treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. If you are aged 50 to 85 and have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, you may be eligible to participate in this important research.
Study participants and their caregiver/study partner will each receive up to £1595 for their commitment, plus reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed or transport provided.
To learn more or register your or a loved one’s interest in Alzheimer’s research, please visit our Alzheimer’s research page.
“Memory has to be nourished. Memory needs to be treasured. Memory needs to be open. If you practice those three musts, there’s a pretty good chance that there’ll be an understanding” – Jon Snow
- Alzheimer’s Research UK – Dementia Statistics Hub
