Study claims people with large heads better able to cope with Alzheimer’s disease
Published 13 July 2010
A new study claims that people with Alzheimer’s disease who have large heads have better memory and thinking skills than those with the disease who have smaller heads, even when they have the same amount of brain cell death.
A new study claims that people with Alzheimer's disease who have large heads have better memory and thinking skills than those with the disease who have smaller heads, even when they have the same amount of brain cell death. The study, published today in the journal Neurology, involved 270 people with Alzheimer's who took tests on their memory and cognitive skills, and had brain scans to measure the amount of brain cell death.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'This small study supports previous research, which suggests there is a link between head size and the way that you cope with the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. More research into why this link exists is now needed, yet dementia research receives eight times less funding than cancer research. Only with the right investment can dementia be defeated.
'So whilst this study suggests that struggling to find a hat that fits may not be a bad thing, it's important people do not worry about their head size but focus on the ways they can actively reduce their risk of developing dementia. Research shows that eating a healthy diet, doing regular exercise and not smoking all help.'
Ruth Sutherland
Acting Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
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Ref: Perneczky, R et al., 'Head circumference, atrophy and cognition', Neurology, 13 July, 2010.
Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
