Posted under Blog on April 30th, 2012 by Editorial Team / No Comments

Last week Louis Theroux’s television programme Extreme Love – Dementia aired on the BBC. The programme explored the struggles and triumphs of people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as he strived to “experience their life first hand”.

Meeting couples and families in Phoenix, Arizona, the show provided an insight into the disease and its effect on relationships. It highlighted the every day difficulties faced by sufferers, from dialling a telephone number to recognising a spouse or son. By meeting real people with dementia and exploring their lives, the producers showed the hardships and complexity of illnesses such as Alzheimer’s.

As Louis took on the responsibilities of carer John Vaughan the devastating impact of the disease was clearly demonstrated. Nancy Vaughan (aged 89) has trouble remembering her own name, let alone the fact that she is married. John has taken to wearing a name tag to help Nancy identify him and carries a wedding photo so that, in her confused moments, he can prove to her that they are married.

Aged 88, John is the full-time carer for someone with many of the same needs as an adult-sized toddler.

The show brought to light the reality of Alzheimer’s disease in a moving and interesting way, both increasing awareness and raising its public profile.

Explore this site for the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Tags: Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Awareness, dementia, extreme love, Louis Theroux

Posted under Blog on September 15th, 2011 by Editorial Team / No Comments

Accurate detection of Alzheimer’s disease in its earliest stages, before symptoms fully develop, has become a potential reality early last week as a revolutionary brain-scanning technique was unveiled.

Currently diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is based upon assumption through identification of symptoms and ruling out of other diseases such as cancer or depression. A definitive verdict is only apparent after death when brain samples can be obtained and tested for beta-amyloid plaques.

The scan, involving the compound Flutemetamol, which highlights affected brain areas, is now entering its final clinical trial stages. If successful the technique could be in use by the end of 2012.

Click here to read the full story

Tags: Alzheimer's Awareness