A cure for Alzheimer’s disease is “within reach” and research is at a “turning point”, a charity has said. <\/p>\n
Alzheimer’s Research UK said more than 190 trials were testing new medicines for their ability to slow or stop the disease.<\/p>\n
As it launched a new campaign during World Alzheimer’s Month, the charity said the first person to be cured of the disease could already be alive today.<\/p>\n
Hilary Evans-Newton CBE, chief executive of Alzheimer\u2019s Research UK, which is based in Cambridge, said: \u201cThe idea that someone alive today could become the first person cured of Alzheimer’s disease would have seemed unimaginable not long ago. <\/p>\n
“Today, thanks to decades of research, it’s a future we know is within reach.<\/p>\n
\u201cA cure is in sight, but only research will deliver it. At Alzheimer\u2019s Research UK, we are dedicated to accelerating this progress to get us there faster.”<\/p>\n
As well as a potential cure for Alzheimer\u2019s disease, the charity believes other life-changing breakthroughs are on the horizon including faster ways to diagnose, and progress in the search for cures for other forms of dementia. \u00a0<\/p>\n
A blood test that could revolutionise Alzheimer\u2019s diagnosis is expected before 2030. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Sam Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director of Policy, Communications, and Involvement at Alzheimer’s Research UK Credit: ITV News Anglia<\/p>\n
Speaking to ITV News Anglia, Sam Benham-Hermetz, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’ve never seen such a rich pipeline, so that pipeline of new medicines is 40% more medicines than we’ve ever had for Alzheimer’s disease.<\/p>\n
“Over the last few years we’ve seen tests that can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier stage and with more accuracy. <\/p>\n
“And we’re also now have two treatments that have been licensed in the UK that can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.<\/p>\n
“Both of these are causes for celebration, but the challenge we face is that science is progressing so fast, but the NHS isn’t keeping pace.<\/p>\n
“We need these innovative tests and treatments to be adopted on the NHS and they need to be ready for a cure.”<\/p>\n
Almost one million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the UK, with that number expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. <\/p>\n
If nothing changes, the charity has warned that half of the UK population will be directly affected by dementia in their lifetime – either by developing the condition themselves, caring for someone with it, or experiencing both.<\/p>\n
Chris Bane’s mum Shirley has had Alzheimer’s disease for ten years Credit: ITV News Anglia<\/p>\n
Chris Bane’s mum Shirley was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 at the age of 67. She is now non-verbal and living in a care home. <\/p>\n
Mr Bane, from Cambridgeshire, said: “She’s got worse in the last few months. She no longer recognises who I am, very little eye contact and can’t feed herself.<\/p>\n
“At times I was more a carer than a son, which you have to deal with as well as slowly losing the one you love.<\/p>\n
“Research is critical for a cure. Unfortunately it’s too late for mum, but there are people out there who will benefit from research and new treatments. <\/p>\n
“We have the momentum now, so more research will bring that cure quicker.”<\/p>\n