Latest news with #Alzheimer'sUK
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Dementia warning as craving certain foods 'could be a sign of the disease'
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the rare forms of dementia and can cause patients to crave sweet, fatty foods, or carbohydrates and even forget their table manners A hankering for certain food could be an early warning sign of dementia, experts have warned. Dementia is a broad term used to describe a variety of conditions that cause memory loss, with Alzheimer's disease being the most prevalent type. Vascular dementia accounts for the majority of other cases. However, there are also less common forms of dementia, one of which is known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This condition can lead to behavioural and language difficulties, and may even change a person's preferred food choices. Alzheimer's UK, a leading charity, explains that FTD patients may "crave sweet, fatty foods, or carbohydrates and forget their table manners". They added: "They may also no longer know when to stop eating, drinking alcohol, or smoking." Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, claiming the lives of approximately 67,000 people across the four nations each year. In an effort to raise awareness and accelerate scientific progress towards a cure, Scottish Formula One driver Sir Jackie Stewart founded Race Against Dementia after his wife was diagnosed with FTD in 2014. The charity is optimistic about the development of a new treatment for the disease within the next decade, according to scientist Dr Cara Croft. It is through that initiative that Sir Jackie is helping to fund a new trial at the University of Cambridge which hopes to spot signs of the disease in people many years before it ever begins to have an effect. In more than a decade since her diagnosis, however, Lady Helen's dementia has steadily progressed over time. And Sir Jackie, 85, previously recounted how his wife of more than 60 years forgot who he was. Speaking in 2022, he told the BBC: 'Just the other day it was time for dinner, she's getting up and I'm sitting close by, and she says, 'Where's Jackie?' That's the first time that's happened and that's only a few weeks ago. 'A bad feeling came over me.' He went on to say that his wife's mind is in 'a new world' and that she is now no longer able to walk on her own as a result of her condition. What are the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD)? As well as changes in eating habits, other symptoms of FTD include: Being insensitive or rude Acting impulsively Loss of inhibitions Seeming subdued Losing interest in people and things Losing drive and motivation Inability to emphasis with others Repetitive behaviours Compulsive eating Neglecting personal hygiene Using words incorrectly Loss of vocabulary Repeating a limited number of phrases Forgetting the meaning of common words
Edinburgh Live
15-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Daily ritual can reduce risk of dementia risk by 20 percent, experts reveal
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Dementia, affecting nearly a million individuals across the UK, is a syndrome associated with a decline in brain function. The most prevalent forms are Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The syndrome can manifest through memory loss, diminished mental sharpness, judgement, and thinking speed, as well as alterations in mood, movement, and the ability to perform daily tasks. However, experts suggest that one way to lower the risk of developing dementia is by maintaining regular physical activity. Alzheimer's UK highlights that research on middle-aged or older adults indicates that exercise can lead to enhancements in cognitive abilities and memory, along with "reduced rates of dementia". Indeed, studies have demonstrated that those who engage in consistent exercise could be up to 20 per cent less likely to develop dementia compared to inactive individuals, reports Surrey Live. "Sustaining physical activity throughout midlife also seems to have the best effect on reducing dementia risk," the organisation notes. One particular study found that older adults who were least physically active had over double the risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to their more active counterparts. A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London, which was published earlier this year, delved into health data from over 450 individuals tracked since their birth in 1946. This research examined the influence of physical activity patterns across three decades on brain health at age 70. Research has revealed that physical activity, particularly before the age of 50, is associated with a larger hippocampus - the brain region primarily linked to memory. Those who maintained an active lifestyle were less likely to experience cognitive decline, even if they exhibited key markers of Alzheimer's disease. "Our findings show that staying active throughout your life, especially before turning 50, can help keep your brain healthy and delay early signs of Alzheimer's. This is especially true for women," stated the study's lead author, Dr Sarah-Naomi James. Alzheimer's UK recommends choosing enjoyable activities or using workout videos for motivation to increase exercise levels. The organisation also suggests using wearable devices like fitness tracker watches, or smartphone apps like the NHS Couch to 5K to monitor progress, and participating in group activities such as hiking, which it describes as a "great way to connect and interact with people". "Being active doesn't have to involve going to the gym or running a marathon. You are more likely to do regular physical activity if you find things you enjoy doing," explained Alzheimer's Research UK. The charity also advised being active every day and trying not to sit for extended periods. It added: "If you have to, then break it up with movement or activity of any kind."
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Two dads of Southport victims triumph at London Marathon as they proudly display medals and raise cash for fund
TWO dads of Southport victims proudly display their medals yesterday after an emotional London Marathon. Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe raised cash for projects set up in memory of their murdered girls Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven. 11 11 11 Sergio had a picture of nine-year-old Alice on his T-shirt and collapsed to the ground at the finish. 'Elsie's dad' was displayed on David's top and he gave a thumbs-up when he crossed the line. The girls were killed alongside Bebe King, six, in a horrific knife rampage last July. Bebe's parents Lauren and Ben were both cheering from the sidelines. Prince William and Princess Kate are understood to have sent their best wishes to the dads. They also donated to Elsie's Story, as well as the Churchtown Playground fund, for which Sergio ran. Elsie's mum Jenni said beforehand: 'We did get a special message from the Prince and Princess of Wales. Obviously we've previously met and spent some time with them and told them about Elsie's Story. So to have a message and a donation means a lot to us.' David added: 'It was special.' Around 56,000 runners took part in the event — with organisers hopeful of breaking New York's record in November of 55,646 finishers. EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt ran for Alzheimer's UK and had 'Babs' Army' on his T-shirt with a picture of co-star Dame Barbara Windsor, who died in 2020. TV host Helen Skelton, ex-footballer John Terry and Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans were among other celeb finishers. Comedian Joel Dommett hoped to do it in under three hours, but fainted halfway through. Team GB legend Paula Radcliffe gives her top tips ahead of running a marathon The youngest runner was Lucy Jones, 18 yesterday, while the oldest were Mohan Kudchadker, 84, and Mary Jo Brinkman, 83, who both travelled from the US. Costumes included Big Bens, sharks and giant chickens. Tigst Assefa won the women's elite race in a world record 02.15.50. Two pro-Palestine protesters jumped the barriers at Tower Bridge and threw red powder paint in front of the men's elite race, won by Sabastian Sawe in 02.2.25. Sun sports reporter Joshua Jones ran for youth violence charity Power The Fight, finishing in 04.05.39. 11 11
BBC News
25-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
St Helens dementia pub group 'values every person'
As soon as you walk in to a pub which hosts a dementia support group the condition "goes out of the window", a volunteer has said. Every Friday morning the Gerard Arms in St Helens is transformed into the Loving Arms group, which aims to create a community of people who understand what it is like to live with McKenna who helps run it said they "sing, do bingo and quizzes" and chat about "everything and anything" over a cup of tea."Each person is valued and loved so much," she said. Ken Halliwell who attends the group, said: "It's great because all of us have got the same, or half of it or some of it so we all understand each other."One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime, while one in four support others living with dementia, according to Alzheimer's UK. Jan Barrow's husband went into a care home three weeks ago and she continues to attend the group to support other members. "We've been coming here a couple of years now and it's absolutely amazing," she said."We've made so many wonderful friends, and even though he's gone in I still come because you can give advice or help other people."Last month BBC broadcaster Tony Snell lost his mother Eileen, who died with vascular said a group like the Loving Arms would have been a "massive benefit" for her. "It's been difficult, it's been a relief as well because we knew it was coming. Vhat a journey of highs, lows, sadness, frustration, anger but laughter," he said. "We didn't get a manual because I don't think there is one but we kind of did it together and got through it together." 'Fear of the condition' Mr Snell said, for his mum's generation, there was "a certain amount of shame" attached to the diagnosis which meant she was not able to benefit from community support groups like the Loving Arms."I think there was a denial to a certain degree," he said."She wouldn't even mention the word Alzheimers or dementia. She used to forget things and say, 'I think I'm getting a touch of the other'. "It was a fear of the name, a fear of the condition, but a session like this would have been a massive benefit to my mum." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
