Scots chemist believes drugs to treat Alzheimer's will be available in five years
A Scots chemist believes drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease will be available within five years.
Professor David MacMillan, 57, who is originally from North Lanarkshire, said "phenomenal things" are happening within medical research into neurological diseases.
He won a Nobel Prize after developing a new way of building molecules, leading to developments in drugs for Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease.
MacMillan told the BBC: "I would bet my house that within five years that we have marketed drugs for Alzheimer's.
"My father died of vascular dementia and my aunt had dementia. I think that's such a horrible way to go."
The Princeton University professor said winning the Nobel Prize in 2021 has made a massive impact on his life.
"On a Tuesday morning, I was a chemist that nobody, including half my pals, had been interested in talking to," he said.
"Then on the Wednesday, I was talking to like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
"It was crazy - and I thought it would slow down but it just keeps on going."
MacMillan was awarded a half share of £842,611 and used it to set up The May and Billy MacMillan Foundation, named after his parents, where he funds Scottish students, providing educational opportunities to underprivileged young people.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
NHS boards splurge £53m on private advisers as frontline services suffer
Included in the spending was £200k for conflict resolution experts and £23k for media advisors. Scottish NHS boards have spent a shocking £53million on private management consultants in the last five years the Sunday Mail can reveal. Labour has accused the SNP government of allowing the health service to 'haemorrage' money on external firms, while cash strapped frontline services struggle to cope. The spending includes more than £200,000 paid by NHS Highland for 'conflict management resolution' experts, and £23,000 by the State Hospital Board for 'media strategy advice'. Public Health Scotland, the national health improvement and protection body, spent £97,000 on change management and business service consultants from auditing firm KPMG. It comes as soaring long waits at A&E departments are estimated to have contributed to more than 1,000 needless deaths. Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour deputy leader, said the SNP had to 'get a grip' on the spending. She said: 'While outside expertise will always be needed, these figures show that at a time when our hospitals and surgeries are under pressure, health boards are still haemorrhaging cash. 'The SNP must get a grip on health boards' spending and ensure that where money does go to external consultants it can be clearly justified.' NHS Highland was at the centre of a bullying scandal after whistleblowers exposed a culture of fear at the health board in 2018. Two years later bosses paid Conflict Management Plus, a firm based near Cambridge, £189,000 for help to deal with problematic workplace relationships. Another £15,000 was handed to the firm in 2023. The State Hospital Board, which is responsible for running Scotland's only high-security psychiatric hospital at Carstairs - paid £23,000 to a firm for help in developing proactive media strategies over three years between 2020 and 2022. In 2023 Carstairs bosses also spent £720 on a 'courageous conversation workshop' from Scottish firm Class 1 Consultants. The Scottish Ambulance Service spent £373,000 for a private consultant to plan rosters between 2019 and 2023. Last year NHS Education Scotland paid a private firm £210,000 to complete a business case for the government's new health and social care app which is supposed to be launched by the end of the year. In total between 2019/20 and 2024/25 health boards have spent £53 million on private consultants. This also includes private consultants for infrastructure projects. The details come amid concern about the state of Scotland's NHS. A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in December last year found that while the NHS in England is steadily improving since the pandemic, in Scotland things are getting worse. Their study found that compared to before Covid, the percentage of people waiting for tests, cancer care, emergency care and elective care for longer than the NHS target time has all increased. It has also increased compared to last year in all areas except the percentage of people waiting six weeks or less for diagnostic testing. The IFS stated: 'There remains the ongoing challenge of ensuring that money is spent well, staff are deployed effectively, and productivity in the NHS is enhanced – all essential if waiting times are to be reduced.' Baillie said: 'It's the Scottish Government which should show leadership when it comes to reforming our health service yet after nearly two decades the SNP is out of ideas. 'The reality is that John Swinney and the SNP have no meaningful plan, no strategy and no ideas to save our NHS. 'A Scottish Labour government will make sure our NHS is free and available at the point of need, declare a national waiting times emergency, end the 8am rush for a GP appointment and do whatever it takes to fix the NHS.' Last month the Scottish Government pledged to 'target funding at frontline services' including the NHS as part of its five year financial plan and promised an increase in value for money, investment in preventative measuress to reduce demand on services and to reform public services. Trade unions have raised concerns about severe staffing shortages in some areas of the health service, including 'chronic understaffing' in the nursing sector, Unison Scotland warned in April there were not enough nurses on duty to 'ensure patients are protected from harm like falls, medication errors or other risks'. Its members warned there were not enoguh staff on duty in two thirds of shifts to deliver safe care. A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'Spending on external consultants is a tiny fraction of the NHS budget. 'NHS Boards make decisions on their spending, including the use of external consultants, where this is necessary to provide the most effective services. 'This information is published to ensure transparency and discussions are held on a regular basis with each NHS Board on how it is utilising its resources to ensure value for money.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
South Wales Guardian
9 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
I tried Aldi's sell-out LED mask - an acne miracle I needed
But thanks to my doctor, a course of Lymecycline antibiotics and a few tubes of Epiduo cream, we are almost there. Now my skin seems under control and I only have scarring to rectify, I've been looking for ways I can continue to treat (or help) it, with the latest trendy products, of course. It won't be a surprise that I came across the Shark CryoGlow LED mask, which every beauty influencer seems to be parading around the house with (shout out to Celebrity Big Brother's Donna Preston and Ella Rae Wise for their viral LED mask moments earlier this year). But at nearly £300, not even the thought of a potential (and painful) acne return is worth that, in my honest opinion. However, did you know what I stumbled across when looking for dupes of the Shark LED mask? None other than Aldi's very own version, for less than £15. In a nutshell, the interesting devices have become hugely popular over the last year or so due to their 'non-invasive' approach to tackle various skincare issues, including eczema, mild to moderate acne, psoriasis and sun damage, all from the comfort of your own home. The new form of technology 'harnesses the power of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which then stimulate skin cells when they are exposed to the skin repeatedly,' reports the BBC. Aldi's LED face mask was previously a sell-out and now I know why (Image: Newsquest) Now, we all know Aldi smashes it out of the park with their beauty replicas, but because the sell-out LED Face Mask only costs £12.99, I had to give it a go. I was so intrigued by how something so cheap could work literal skin wonders – so did it get the job done? Aldi's LED Face Mask is just one of the budget-friendly supermarket's cult-favourite beauty buys to return over the last few days, as part of its pamper range. The LED face mask is back alongside the eye massager (£12.99) and neck massager (£12.99). It comes with a USB charging wire, features seven different light settings (such as red, blue, green, pink) and a built-in Lithium Battery, aiming to help reduce the appearance of 'fine lines, redness and inflammation'. Pretty impressed this LED mask has seven settings to choose from (Image: Newsquest) Aldi has described it as the 'perfect tool to deliver a spa-worthy facial at home, for less'. Although it was comfy to wear and stayed put, first impressions were that it's not the most attractive-looking device and does look quite flimsy. But I can tell you now, do not let that put you off – remember, 'it's not about what's on the outside that matters, it's about what's on the inside.' I did my usual skincare routine, climbed into bed and prepared for a date night with just me and the LED mask. After reading the manual booklet, which has lots of useful wavelength information, I then had a thought about what LED setting I wanted to try. Have you tried any LED masks before? (Image: Newsquest) I figured it would be best to give the blue light a go for around five minutes (as it was the first try) because it's meant to target acne by helping to get rid of bacteria, prevent future outbreaks and create clearer and calmer skin. And do you know what? It basically did what it says on the tin (or Google). Specifically, on the morning after the first session, without even remembering that I had used it, I was washing my face as I got ready for work, and suddenly realised how soft my skin felt, and it took me a few minutes to realise what I had done differently. I then grabbed a mirror from the bathroom and noticed my skin was nowhere near as puffy or red as it would usually be after being asleep. A post shared by Aldi UK (@aldiuk) Days later, I started paying attention to a cyst-like spot that had been forming on my cheekbone and realised it hadn't grown to its usual second head size. Recommended reading: I tried Aldi's sell-out 'fish wine' and now that's all I want to drink I tested the Aldi robot vacuum against Amazon's top-rated Ultenic - I'm in love I tried Aldi's new Smart Kettle and this feature was a gamechanger Instead, it had stopped growing and was shrinking – what an incredible result for something that essentially costs the same as a few coffees. Since then, I've been playing around with the other LED light modes to see what other changes it could make to my skin, but as I've not been using it for very long, it might take a little longer for more magic. I'm not sure how this little Aldi miracle works so well, but if you've been desperate to get your hands on an LED face mask to see if it could help your skin issues (without the hefty price tag), now is your chance.
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The 5 simple tweaks you can make TODAY to slash your risk of the 5 biggest killer diseases
Here's how you can start tweaking your lifestyle for better health - right now HIGH FIVE The 5 simple tweaks you can make TODAY to slash your risk of the 5 biggest killer diseases Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHETHER it's hitting our five-a-day or getting eight hours of sleep, we are inundated with tips to avoid getting ill. But who has time to spend every minute tracking symptoms, eating superfood salads or obsessing over wellness trends? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Give your health a boost and lower your risk of illness with five easy lifestyle changes Credit: Getty The good news is there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to stay healthy and slash your risk of the UK's five biggest killers — dementia, heart disease, stroke, cancer and liver disease. New cancer diagnoses are forecast to rise from 420,000 to 506,000 a year by 2040, according to Cancer Research UK. And the Alzheimer's Society expects dementia cases to surge from 982,000 to 1.4million in the same period. The British Heart Foundation warns that deaths from heart disease in working-age adults have risen for the first time in 50 years. The British Liver Trust says liver disease now kills four times more people than five decades ago, and the Stroke Association predicts there will be a 50 per cent rise in strokes by 2035. In short, it's time to take action. Dr Martin Thornton, chief medical officer at Bluecrest Wellness, tells Sun on Sunday Health: 'Lifestyle factors play a significant role in the development and progression of these five killers.' Give your health a boost and lower your risk of illness with these five changes... 1. MEDITERRANEAN MOMENT 6 A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil can lower risks of Alzheimer's, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease, say experts Credit: Getty WHAT you eat is a good place to start. Swerve ultra-processed foods, such as sausages, crisps and mass-produced bread, in favour of a Mediterranean diet filled with fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and olive oil, says Dr Natasha Fernando, a GP and medical director at Medichecks. What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? This is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's. She adds: 'Diets low in saturated fats and high in plant-based foods can improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure, both significant risk factors in heart disease and stroke. 'Switch to fibre-filled wholegrain bread, cereals and pasta. Swap white rice for brown, and cook with olive oil instead of butter. 'Use unsalted nuts and seeds, which are filled with healthy fats, as toppers for your salads, porridge, yoghurt and soups, and to snack on.' To lower your risk of liver disease, add defrosted berries to your breakfast and chopped carrots to pasta sauce. Dr Thornton adds: 'Consider a few meat-free meals each week, with alternative protein sources like tofu or beans.' And don't forget omega-3 fatty acids to boost your brain health. Go for oily fish such as sardines and salmon, as well as walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds. 2. PUMP IT UP 6 Even four minutes of vigorous exercise a day can lower your risk of a heart attack and rhythm abnormalities Credit: Getty THE NHS recommends doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. "This is anything that makes you breathe faster and feel warmer,' says Dr Fernando. Even four minutes of vigorous exercise a day can lower your risk of a heart attack and rhythm abnormalities, research published in the British Journal Of Sports Medicine suggests. As well as cardio, do resistance-based exercises, such as weights, at least twice a week. No time to exercise? 'Simply walking more can help,' Dr Fernando says. 'Take the stairs, park farther away and walk around while talking on the phone.' A study by the University of Sydney found that 7,000 daily steps could reduce your risk of dementia (by 38 per cent), heart disease (by 25 per cent) and cancer (by six per cent). Separate research by the University of Pennsylvania found just 2,500 was enough to lower the chances of liver disease by 38 per cent. Dr Fernando adds: 'Household chores and gardening count.' 3. WEIGHT OFF 6 Carrying excess weight raises risks of cancer, diabetes, and heart problems, experts urge steady weight loss through healthy eating and exercise Credit: Getty CARRYING too much weight puts you at risk of a host of health issues, including the top five killers. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, obesity raises your chances of at least 13 types of cancer. 'It also contributes to inflammation, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure,' Dr Fernando says. But Dr Thornton adds that if you're hoping to slim, crash-dieting won't work. 'Focus on gradual weight loss, aiming for 0.5 to 1kg a week, through healthy eating and regular physical activity,' he says. 'Eat slowly, without distractions, and stop when you feel satisfied rather than stuffed.' Getting enough sleep and managing stress will also help prevent overeating. Everyone has a different healthy weight, but the NHS deems anyone with a body mass index of 25 or above to be overweight or obese. 4. STUB IT OUT 6 Tobacco kills eight million people a year globally, 1.2million of whom are non-smokers, according to Action On Smoking And Health Credit: Getty THERE'S no end to the dangers of smoking, yet six million of us still do it. Dr Fernando says: 'Tobacco smoke is known to contain around 70 substances that are linked to cancer. 'Smoking also contributes to the narrowing of blood vessels and the build-up of fatty deposits, affecting blood flow and delivery of oxygen to vital organs such as the brain and heart. 'This is associated with increased risk of dementia, heart disease and stroke.' Tobacco kills eight million people a year globally, 1.2million of whom are non-smokers, according to Action On Smoking And Health. 'Even if you're not a smoker, avoid secondhand smoke and places where smoking is prevalent,' Dr Thornton says. 'There's no one right way to quit, so speak to a healthcare professional about a method that feels sustainable for you.' 5. YOU BOOZE YOU LOSE 6 Head off serious illness by keeping within the recommended 14 units of alcohol a week, spreading this over several days Credit: Getty EXCESS alcohol is the leading cause of liver disease, but it's not just your liver that takes a beating. Dr Fernando says: 'Chronic heavy booze intake is linked to an increased risk of all types of dementia, in particular early-onset dementia, as it contributes to brain shrinkage and cognitive decline.' The British Heart Foundation also says that drinking too much, too often, can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. There are heightened chances, too, of liver cancer, bowel cancer, mouth cancer and breast cancer. Keep within the recommended 14 units a week, spreading this over several days. Dr Thornton says: 'This is a limit, not a target. Cutting out booze altogether is the best choice.' Dr Fernando adds: 'Try low-alcohol or non-alcoholic options, mocktails or juices.'
