World Alzheimer’s Day, observed on September 21st, is a global effort to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It shines a light on the challenges faced by those living with dementia, their caregivers, and the need for further research. In 2024, the theme ‘Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s‘ would like to raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia.
This article explores how the UK is impacted by dementia, the risk factors, and recent scientific advances that could shape the future of Alzheimer’s care.
In the UK, this day holds particular importance as the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s continues to grow. With over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK—two-thirds of them with Alzheimer’s—the need for greater understanding, support, and research has never been more urgent.
Alzheimer’s World Day brings together communities, healthcare professionals, families, and charities to shine a light on the realities of living with dementia, celebrate advances in research, and foster hope for a future without this devastating disease.
While age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, it is not the only one. Both modifiable and non-modifiable factors contribute to the development of dementia. In 2024, public health campaigns around World Alzheimer’s Day focus on increasing awareness of these risk factors and encouraging prevention strategies.
In 2024, significant progress is being made in the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are exploring new ways to diagnose, treat, and possibly prevent dementia, offering hope to millions of patients and families.
Early detection of Alzheimer’s remains one of the key challenges in improving outcomes. In the UK, scientists are working on developing biomarkers for Alzheimer’s, which could lead to earlier diagnoses and interventions.
Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s: Researchers are close to developing blood tests that can detect Alzheimer’s years before symptoms arise. These tests work by identifying the presence of amyloid or tau proteins, the abnormal build-up of which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
AI and Brain Imaging: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are improving the accuracy of brain scans in detecting early signs of dementia. AI can analyze complex patterns in brain imaging data to spot subtle changes in brain structure that may signal the onset of Alzheimer’s before cognitive decline becomes apparent.
2024 is also seeing promising advancements in the development of treatments for Alzheimer’s. While there is no cure for the disease, several drugs and therapies are showing potential in slowing disease progression.
Lecanemab and Donanemab: In 2023, the FDA approved lecanemab, a monoclonal antibody targeting amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, shown to slow cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s. Similarly, donanemab, another promising drug, is undergoing clinical trials in the UK and worldwide. These treatments work by clearing amyloid deposits in the brain, which are thought to contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Gene Therapy: Gene therapy is being explored as a potential treatment for dementia. This involves delivering healthy genes to the brain to repair or replace faulty ones. In the UK, researchers are studying the possibility of using gene editing techniques like CRISPR to target genes involved in Alzheimer’s.
In addition to pharmacological treatments, lifestyle interventions remain a key area of research. Studies are ongoing into how exercise programs, diet plans, and cognitive training might slow cognitive decline in individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s. The UK is participating in several international studies that explore how lifestyle changes can complement medication in managing dementia symptoms.
As the UK faces a growing dementia crisis, World Alzheimer’s Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the progress being made and the challenges that remain. Continued investment in research, increased public awareness, and expanded support systems will be crucial in addressing the rising number of people affected by Alzheimer’s.
With promising scientific breakthroughs and greater emphasis on prevention and early diagnosis, there is hope that future generations may live in a world where Alzheimer’s is not only more manageable but also preventable. In the meantime, World Alzheimer’s Day continues to unite people worldwide in the fight against dementia.