Norwich scientists explore link between dementia and gut microbes
"The study is investigating gut microbes and the role they may play in healthy ageing and, in particular, declining mental health and the risk of developing dementia," the centre explained in a online post. "Changes in gut microbe populations have been linked to many other conditions including obesity, cancer and Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease."
Quadram Institute group leader Prof Simon Carding told the BBC that researchers were looking at ways of fighting diseases such as dementia."We are interested in knowing if we can help slow or even maybe reverse some of the effects that cause or lead to, for example, dementia," he explained"And one area we are particularly interested in is the microbes that live in our gut."We believe that they can play a key role in maintaining the health of, not just the body, but also the mind, mental health."And that is through what we call gut brain access, which is a means by which the gut can communicate with the brain."
A spokesman for the centre said about 280 people had been involved after it asked for volunteers aged over 60.Prof Carding said researchers were looking at ways gut microbes changed as people aged.He said volunteers were being studied over several years and the project was long-term.Similar studies had already been carried out on mice.Prof Carding said specialists might be able to combat change, and illness, by altering diets or transplanting new microbes from healthy donorsHe added: "I think there is real potential here to make an impact on some of the diseases that affect us with ageing."Funding had been provided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), he said.
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Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'My wife got lost in Primark for 2 hours - then GP gave us worst news possible'
Nicola Furness was diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimer's at 56 - before the devastating news, her unusual behaviour had caused great concern to her family When Paul Furness supported his wife, Nicola Furness through breast cancer and a double mastectomy 10 years ago, the couple believed they had beat their biggest challenge. Sadly, there was a bigger one to come that Paul describes as 'the battle they're not going to win'. Nicola was diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimer's two years ago in July 2023, at just 56 years old, and in a refreshingly honest chat to raise awareness, Paul exclusively opened up to the Mirror on how life really looks for a husband-turned-carer. Paul, who lives in Beverly, East Yorkshire, first noticed Nicola's forgetfulness and confusion in 2019, starting off as little things at first. 'She'd make a cup of tea but just pour in the hot water then walk away and leave it. 'She'd repeat questions she had just asked me, and she even drove home with our daughters and went past the top of our street that we've lived on for 25 years.' Paul also explains how she would turn the gas on but forget to ignite it when cooking, and she would get unduly distressed at a new work computer system, losing all confidence in herself in the process. Once she was lost in Primark for nearly two hours because the layout 'was confusing'. Things have also turned dangerous, too. 'Nicola drove to a friend's party. She then told friends that I had dropped her off and proceeded to drink alcohol. She was stopped by the police and breathalysed on the way home. She passed but they could see how confused she was and the police drove her home.' As well as losing her ability to cook, clean the house and shop, looking after his wife's hygiene is another grey area that is often overlooked and not spoken about enough. Paul's keen to change that. 'I have to shower her because she'd walk into the shower with her pants on. I have to tell her what she has to do with the shower gel and the shampoo. It's exhausting. She won't remember simple things like flushing the toilet of course, and I need to dress her, brush her teeth and tie her shoe laces. 'You would think a 58-year-old woman would find it all frustrating, but she's passed the point of knowing that she has Alzheimer's. It can be mentioned on TV soaps and we no longer speak over it like we would have two years ago, she's not aware that she has it.' Paul works in debt management as an operational manager with his local council and has been left 'juggling a lot of balls in the air' over the last difficult few years. He has gone from working full-time to a reduced 15.5 hours a week. 'I'm only 55, I'm not ready to retire yet. It's too early.' Whilst he says that retiring would mean life would 'just be about Alzheimer's', financially, it's not something that he's comfortable with either. 'My youngest daughter is at drama school, it's costing me a fortune. We've had to make cutbacks and sacrifices. I have to be careful about how I'm managing money now.' And it's this reason that made getting a proper diagnosis vital. Receiving this allowed Nicola to leave work as 'ill health retired'', a status that makes a remarkably bigger financial difference against being dismissed for being off sick for a long period of time. But it came at a harsh, different type of cost, remembers Paul. 'She hated the whole diagnosis process because it's so drawn out and protracted - it was so emotionally humiliating for her. To watch her during the cognitive testing where somebody asks what five plus seven is, what the names of her daughters are, her daughters ages. She was getting mixed up and not able to answer. Being given a score described as 'abnormal'. "It was horrendous, followed by CT scans, MRI scans and then she was sent for a mental health check. That was arduous because she's quite a private person.' Paul admits that she has regressed and deteriorated 'quite a lot' over the last few months, putting plans in place to safeguard what little he can. 'She isn't going to get better, she's going to get worse. We do things with her like going on holiday so we can make memories - but really, those are memories for me and my daughters. We take lots of pictures and then we put them into books so that she can remember the experience. 'Nikki lives in the moment, but I'm very fortunate to be able to give her these experiences at least. I don't know how long that's going to last - it's becoming increasingly difficult.' Paul reveals that as her primary carer, he's at the stage where he can't go out alone with her often anymore. 'I can't leave her at all now. I went to the bathroom and she went looking for me while I was away. I lost her for a minute but it was the longest minute of my life. It was an absolute panic.' Alone time isn't the only thing Paul has had to sacrifice. A keen Hull City FC supporter and once an avid season ticket holder, he doesn't go anymore. It's also been four years since he's had a beer. 'I have to stay very calm and be very patient so alcohol is a no.' One thing that Paul does rely on is running. It's the one thing he has held onto from his pre-Alzheimer's life, running on a Monday to Wednesday as part of a club when he's working. His mum, 79, stays over to help Nicola while he takes some much needed respite and the chance to get out and chat about anything that's non-Alzheimer's. 'It's a release valve for me. We'll talk about our kids and what they've been up to. It spurs me on and gives me a break and escape.' He also takes Nicola along to the park for yoga, Parkruns and gym classes too. He laughs: 'She is in completely the wrong position to everyone else in the class but it doesn't matter – the instructors are so kind and spend so much time with her.' Glimmers of the Nicola he once knew shine through whenever she hears music - especially 80s retro soul - moments Paul calls "a beautiful thing". 'Music brings her back to life again. It's like we have her back. This month we're going to see a Luther Vandross tribute again,' he says, admitting it's the fourth time they've seen the same act perform. 'Nicola starts singing, dancing, she comes alive. Music is a very powerful thing. 'It's fascinating as well, she'll remember the songs word for word whereas normally I can tell her something and three seconds later, it's gone.' Life can get lonely. Paul has his friends, a supportive mum and two daughters - Isobel, 25 and Lydia, 20 - but loneliness can still creep in. 'I don't have anybody on a weekend who can watch her to let me do anything. I've tried external help before but she rejects them. 'I can get very lonely because Nicky was an educated, articulate, vibrant, funny, compassionate, caring woman and now she's just a pale shadow of herself. 'There's no conversation there, apart from her asking for things, because the conversation gets lost. I terribly miss the woman that I was married to and had children with. I miss conversation with her the most, and seeing her being a mother to the kids. She's their mum more by name only now. ' Paul, who has raised around £12,000 for Dementia UK and the Alzheimer's Society since his wife's diagnosis, still finds ways to spot the old Nikki deep inside. 'If we go supermarket shopping I try to avoid Tesco because it's got the clothing section and she's just obsessed that she's got nothing to wear. Every time we go in, I end up buying another set of pyjamas!' As a father, Paul has one major concern for his grown daughters. 'They've shown me how incredibly resilient they both are. My eldest has qualified as a chartered accountant and my youngest has moved away for drama school. The one thing that I didn't want to see is their mum's health and condition derail their ambitions.' All couples have future dreams and goals, but Paul views this as dealing with things far sooner than he planned. 'I see this as dealing with things 25 years before I thought I might have. We found out just before our 25th wedding anniversary. Instead of going for an Italian meal, we went to Calabria in Italy on holiday. We had a week there and it was still very raw. TV presenter Fiona Phillips, who released a new book Remember When last month, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2022, at 60 years old. Her husband Martin Frizell has spoken out about how difficult life as a carer can be saying earlier this year that his wife needs "a lot of help", with his care extending to showering Fiona, brushing her teeth, dressing her and ultimately "making her feel as safe as possible". As another husband in a caring role, Paul reflects on Martin's situation. 'I resonate with Martin a lot. Everything they're going through is the same as me - we're living a similar life.' In survival mode these days, Paul lives one day at a time. 'Just keep pressing repeat on the things that make you smile in life. Because you don't know when life's going to catch you out. 'You've got to wake up and you've got to reset and you've got to put a smile on your face each day. You can't drown in self pity. You can't just concentrate on the negative aspects of life. You'll just go under.' It's been an emotional chat and one Paul has led with dignity, bravery and respect, but when all is said and done, there's no changing how the future will look. 'I miss her, and this is going to get harder. It's like watching someone fade away in front of you. This isn't a normal part of the ageing process. She's now someone I used to know.'
South Wales Guardian
20 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
I tried Aldi's sell-out LED mask - an acne miracle I needed
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Scottish Sun
21 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.'
