Latest Alzheimer's research greeted with cautious optimism by Alzheimer Scotland

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Latest Alzheimer's research greeted with cautious optimism by Alzheimer Scotland

Alzheimer Scotland welcomes the recent findings from St Andrews' University on Alzheimer's Disease, but recommends further research in this important field. The Fife-based scientists, working with US researchers, claim to have developed a compound which has successfully prevented the disease killing brain cells.

Jim Jackson, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said, “Although this is an animal study, such a breakthrough is potentially of great interest. However, much more research needs to be done before any ‘cure’ for Alzheimer’s becomes a reality. We have yet to discover whether these man-made compounds are safe for human use and how early (or late) in the illness can these effects be observed."

Alzheimer Scotland’s latest report, The Dementia Epidemic – Where Scotland is Now and the Challenge Ahead, reveals that the number of people with dementia in Scotland will increase by 75% over the next 25 years. There are currently 58,000 – 65,000 people with dementia in Scotland: this will rise to 102,000 – 114,000 by 2031.

Kate Fearnley, Policy Director with Alzheimer Scotland, said, “Scotland needs a forward-looking strategy for dementia that seeks to minimise the numbers of people developing dementia, invests in anticipatory care and support for self management, provides sufficient good quality and cost-effective services, increases resources in line with the growth in numbers and supports research.”

Please give our Freephone 24hr Dementia Helpline telephone number: 0808 808 3000 and our web page address: www.alzscot.org at the end of articles.

Contact details:
Kirsty Jardine, Awareness Manager, 0131 243 1453 (mob: 07747 025041), kjardine@alzscot.org
Jim Jackson, Chief Executive, 0131 243 1453, jjackson@alzscot.org
Kate Fearnley, Policy Director, 0131 243 1453, kfearnley@alzscot.org

Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s foremost voluntary organisation working for people with dementia and their carers. It:
• speaks out for the rights and concerns of people with dementia and their carers;
• operates services on over 60 sites throughout Scotland providing practical services such as day, evening and weekend centres, home care and befriending and carers' support services;
• provides the 24 hour national freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000);
• provides the website www.alzscot.org;
• supports a network of over 40 carers' support groups;
• provides information to carers, professionals and people with dementia;
• publishes leaflets, booklets, reports and a quarterly newsletter keeping carers and professionals up-to-date
• has a research programme.

Alzheimer Scotland - Action on Dementia is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland 149069. Registered Office: 22 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh EH3 7RN. It is recognised as a charity by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, no. SC022315.