A new study has recently found that drinking or smoking heavily may accelerate the development of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the results, drinkers may develop the disease nearly five years earlier, while heavy smokers may develop it two years earlier. The study was conducted on 938 people aged 60 or more who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ranjan Duara, of the Mount Sinai Medical Centre in Miami Beach, said the results were significant “because it’s possible that if we can reduce or eliminate heavy smoking and drinking, we could substantially delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease for people and reduce the number of people who have Alzheimer’s at any point in time”.

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Experts have forecast that more than 1.7 million people in the UK will have dementia by 2051. Currently in the UK, 700,000 people have dementia (1 person in every 88) and this is predicted to increase to 940,110 by 2021.

By 2051 dementia is expected to affect the lives of around 1 in 3 people – either as a sufferer, a carer or a relative. Although this is mainly due to the UK’s ageing population, other factors such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, and lack of exercise are also thought to add to the risk.

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Researchers have found a gene that seems to be important in late-onset Alzheimer’s. An article in The Independent states that the discovery was described as “exciting” by the Alzheimer’s Society. The hope is that the discovery about the genetic causes could now lead to a new treatment.

Richard Mayeux who led the research said “The importance of the finding is that it opens new pathways to explore the cause as well as potential targets for treatment.”

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There is new hope for Alzheimer sufferers today – an article on the BBC has revealed that trials are being carried out in mid Wales to find out if daffodils can be farmed there. What has this got to do with Alzheimer’s? The trials should conclude whether or not the daffodils farmed there produce a compound used to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

The compound is called galantamine and has previously been collected from plants and “has been found to slow down the progress of the disease”. A sixth month trial is currently under way and Professor Trevor Walker, who is heading the research said “The compound that we’re getting from the daffodils will help, if its supplied properly and monitored properly, slow down the development of the disease.”

Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease may be detected by a new computer-aided analysis. The cell damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease can be analysed according to an article on the BBC, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and the most effective treatment being given. Dr Min-Ying Su (researcher) said “Our methods may aid in earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, allowing earlier intervention to slow down disease progression.”

This could be used to tailor treatments to individual patients. Susanne Sorenson, of the Alzheimer’s Society, said “More research will be required, but it is possible that as more scanners become available it could contribute to providing a diagnosis at an earlier stage of the disease.”

The ancient Indian ayurvedic medicine is being examined for possible use in treating Alzheimer’s disease. An article on BBC News reports that researchers found the plants used in ayurveda acted to improve memory and concentration in Alzheimer’s sufferers.

“Ayurvedic medicine uses herbs and spices like basil, turmeric, garlic, ginger and aloe vera, as well as yoga exercises, to treat physical and psychological problems … scientists are now trying to identify the chemical compounds responsible so they can be used to develop more effective drugs”.

Alzheimer’s disease, and the causes are not yet fully understood, but this research should give new hope to sufferers.

A study following almost 2,000 people for up to 10 years suggests drinking fruit and vegetable juices frequently may significantly cut the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Apparently the risk was 76% lower for those who frequently drank juice (more than three times a week) compared to those who drank it less than once a week.

Harriet Millward, of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said, “Many scientists believe there is a link between the release of free radicals within the body and early changes to brain cells in people who ultimately go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Since fruit and vegetable juices are rich in antioxidants which ‘mop up’ free radicals, this interesting piece of research adds weight to this theory.”