On the 21st of January every year, a global campaign is launched to raise funds and awareness for dementia research: The Race Against Dementia Day. The campaign was started by Sir Jackie Stewart on the birthday of his wife Lady Helen Stewart who was diagnosed with dementia.
About Dementia
In 2019, it was reported that over ¾ of a million people in the UK live with dementia and, if current trends continue, the number of people with dementia in the UK is forecast to increase to 1,000,000 by 2025 and 1,590,000 by 20401.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most diagnosed 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.
How is Dementia Tested?
The condition, as well as several other forms of dementia, can be assessed through memory tests. Memory tests are designed to assess an individual’s cognitive abilities, particularly their memory function. These tests are crucial in identifying early signs of dementia and other cognitive impairments.
They help healthcare professionals distinguish between normal age-related memory decline and the more serious cognitive decline associated with dementia. Early detection allows for early intervention, which can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with dementia.
One of the tests used for determining Alzheimer’s is known as the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE)2. The test assesses elements such as a person’s memory, attention, and language. Patients are scored out of 100: a score of 88 and above is considered normal; below 83 would require further investigation; and between 83 and 87 is inconclusive.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
If Alzheimer’s is diagnosed early by completing memory tests, the individual living with the condition will have access to wider treatment options and have a better chance of benefitting from strategies that might support them living well. Furthermore, an early diagnosis may make people living with Alzheimer’s eligible to participate in clinical trials, which advance research and may provide further medical benefit.
Dr Penny Foulds, Central Relations Strategist and specialist in dementia research from MAC Clinical Research, said: “Memory loss isn’t always due to a dementia. For example, other possible causes could be stress and anxiety, certain medications, Vitamin B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, and sleep apnoea”.
Race Against Dementia Day serves as a reminder that dementia is a global issue, affecting millions of lives. By emphasising the importance of memory tests, this observance aims to encourage regular cognitive assessments for individuals, especially those at higher risk due to age or family history.
Early detection not only allows for better medical management but also empowers individuals and their families to plan, make legal and financial arrangements, and access appropriate support networks.
How Memory Tests Aid Dementia Research
In addition to benefiting individuals, memory tests also play a crucial role in advancing dementia research. By identifying individuals with early cognitive impairments who are interested in taking part in clinical research, medical professionals can study and better understand the progression of the disease and test potential interventions. This collective effort contributes to a deeper understanding of dementia and paves the way for innovative treatments.
Here at MAC Clinical Research, we provide free memory tests for over 50’s via our memory assessment clinics (MARCs), and we are looking for people who would like to take part in clinical trials researching potential new treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). If you are aged 50-85 and have Alzheimer’s, you may be eligible to participate in upcoming Alzheimer’s clinical trials.
You may be compensated for your time and commitment to dementia research at MAC, plus reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed or transport provided for you and a chaperone/carer.
To learn more or register yours or a loved one’s interest in Alzheimer’s research, please visit our Alzheimer’s research webpage.
1 Alzheimer’s Society – Alzheimer’s Society’s view on demography
2 Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination – ACE-III
