Press release archive
Press release archive for 2008
Terry Pratchett to feature in New Year Honours
31 December 2008
Author Terry Pratchett will be awarded a knighthood for services to literature in the New Year Honours list. The best-selling fantasy writer has sold almost 60 million books worldwide.
Alzheimer's Society comment on research suggesting that sleep disorder may be an early sign of dementia or Parkinson's disease
24 December 2008
People who act out their dreams through kicking and crying out in their sleep may go on to develop dementia or Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the online issue of Neurology.
Alzheimer's Society comment on annoucement from Health Minister, Phil Hope
23 December 2008
Alzheimer's Society is pleased that the government has made a commitment to ensure GPs are trained to recognise the early symptoms of dementia.
Charity condemns government's 'double blow' for people with dementia
19 December 2008
The government has admitted that current investment in dementia research is eight times less that cancer research.
Is the next treatment for Alzheimer's already out there?
18 December 2008
New Alzheimer's Society research will investigate whether curcumin, found in the popular Indian spice turmeric, and a number of drugs for other conditions, could benefit people with Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Society response to health awareness campaigns announcement
16 December 2008
New public health campaigns will help people understand government guidelines around healthy eating, exercise and drinking alcohol, Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo outlined today.
I'm a Celebrity star gives money raised to Alzheimer's Society’s work
10 December 2008
Biff, Baff, Boff! David Van Day returns from the jungle with dollars for dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment on ONS figure that almost a quarter of the UK's population will be over 65 by 2032
10 December 2008
People aged 65-plus are expected to make up almost a quarter of the UK population by 2032, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said today.
Alzheimer's Society comment on JAMA study that shows Gingko biloba is not an effective remedy for dementia
21 November 2008
Use of the herb Ginkgo biloba, claimed to have beneficial effects on memory and cognition, was not effective in reducing the rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease a study found.
Alzheimer's Society comment on King's Fund call for major overhaul of key government health reform
21 November 2008
The King's Fund has published the findings from a two-year audit of one of the government’s central health policy reforms - practice based commissioning.
Alzheimer's Society comment on the Northwestern University 'Super Ageing' project, initial observations
17 November 2008
Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives. It is not a natural part of ageing, but age is the biggest risk factor.
Alzheimer's Society comments on new Help The Aged report, 'Pain in Older People: Reflections and Experiences from an Older Person's Perspective'
17 November 2008
Three fifths of adults would like to see hospitals and healthcare providers penalised for failing to help older people in pain according to a report released on Friday 14 November.
Alzheimer's Society welcomes draft regulations on direct payments
11 November 2008
Alzheimer's Society has welcomed draft regulations for direct payments today as the Department of Health consultation closes.
Alzheimer's Society comment on linguistic analysis suggesting that Harold Wilson resigned as British Prime Minister because he had the first signs of Alzheimer's disease
11 November 2008
Linguistic techniques could be useful for assessing communications problems in people with dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment on Nicotinamide vitamin B3 study in Journal of Neuroscience.
5 November 2008
An over-the-counter vitamin in high doses prevented memory loss in mice with some aspects of Alzheimer's disease, according to a paper published today (5 November) in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Patients will be able to pay privately for medicines while still receiving NHS care, ministers confirmed today.
4 November 2008
Health Secretary Alan Johnson pledged to speed up the process of approving new drugs for use on the NHS with the aim of minimising the numbers forced to pay for treatment.
Alzheimer's Society comments on new Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) report on abuse of adults
4 November 2008
Neglect or abuse can be minimised by high quality care services, according to a new CSCI report released today.
New research suggests diabetes and high blood pressure could double risk of early death in people with Alzheimer's
4 November 2008
Diabetes and high blood pressure could decrease length of life in those with Alzheimer's disease, according to new research to be published in the the journal, Neurology.
Alzheimer's Society comments on the suggestion of a 'silent epidemic' of alcohol-related dementia in the UK
3 November 2008
Two psychiatrists, Dr Susham Gupta and Dr James Warner, discuss the potential impact of increasing alcohol consumption among young and middle-aged people on dementia.
'Growing' new approach in training to improve dementia care
29 October 2008
Growing, the last book in Alzheimer's Society's Feelings Matter Most series, will be launched today (29 October 2008) at the third national Dementia Congress in Bournemouth.
Alzheimer's drugs hope as NICE appeal denied
29 October 2008
New hope has been offered to thousands of people in the early stages of Alzheimer's today, 29 October, following a landmark decision in the House of Lords.
Alzheimer's Society comments on Health Secretary Alan Johnson's speech at the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) conference
24 October 2008
Health secretary Alan Johnson today (24 October) said that improving dementia services must be a priority for the NHS and adult social care, at the ADASS national conference.
Alzheimer's Society landmark partnership with KPMG
23 October 2008
Alzheimer's Society has won KPMG's national charity partnership, securing its largest ever corporate relationship by staff vote.
Alzheimer's Society comment on Cutting the cake fairly - CSCI review of eligibility criteria for social care
22 October 2008
The report found that the Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) system was far from 'fair' and called for wide-sweeping change.
Alzheimer's Society comment on government Foresight report: Mental Capital and Wellbeing
22 October 2008
Proposals aimed at helping society realise its mental potential at every stage of peoples’ lives are contained in a major new report published today by Foresight.
Alzheimer's Society comments on new research suggesting reducing fatty acids in the brain could be a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease
21 October 2008
Removing an enzyme that regulates fatty acid levels improves cognitive deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, according to new research to be published Nature Neuroscience.
Alzheimer's Society comment on new report on individual budgets
21 October 2008
Individual budgets can give people more choice, flexibility and control over their personal care, according to a pilot scheme evaluation report launched today by Care Services Minister Phil Hope.
Education protects against Pre-Alzheimer's memory loss
21 October 2008
People with more education and more mentally demanding occupations may have protection against the memory loss that is one of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease according to a study in Neurology®.
Sidney Eric Norton was today given a nine-month suspended prison sentence for killing his wife, who had Alzheimer's disease. Following the verdict, Alzheimer's Society comments on caring for a person with dementia
10 October 2008
The devastating symptoms of dementia can make caring for someone with the condition extremely challenging.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on WHO report showing England as leader in mental health
9 October 2008
While today's report suggests England is leading the way in mental health, this is not true for all services, especially dementia.
Charity calls for national campaign to tackle dementia stigma
7 October 2008
Half of all UK adults believe dementia is a condition plagued by stigma, double that associated with cancer, according to new Alzheimer's Society research launched by author Terry Pratchett.
Alzheimer's Society has today responded to comments made by Baroness Warnock in the media.
19 September 2008
Speaking about her own views on assisted dying Baroness Warnock made reference to people with dementia as she publicised her latest book.
Alzheimer's Society comment on Vitamin B12 and rate of brain volume loss in older people in the community
9 September 2008
This study found that low levels of vitamin B12 and high levels of homocysteine correlate with brain shrinkage in older people. Shrinkage is usually associated with the development of dementia.
Ruth Langsford steps out for Alzheimer's
8 September 2008
ITV presenter Ruth Langsford leapt off This Morning’s sofa and strolled out to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society at the Adidas Women’s 5K in Hyde Park yesterday, 7 September 2008.
Alzheimer's Society comment on new research demonstrating that exercise improves cognition in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, published in JAMA
3 September 2008
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia and can help slow progression of the condition.
Alzheimer's Society comment on new research showing antipsychotics double risk of stroke in people with dementia, published in the BMJ
29 August 2008
This comprehensive study highlights the detrimental affect all types of antipsychotics have on people with dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment on the announcement by Carol Thatcher that Baroness Thatcher has dementia
26 August 2008
Alzheimer’s Society comment on the announcement by Carol Thatcher that Baroness Thatcher has dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment on Panorama
18 August 2008
During the programme Terry Pratchett criticises the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s (NICE) decision to limit Alzheimer’s drugs.
Alzheimer's Society condemns putting costs ahead of care
15 August 2008
According to the HSJ, Care Quality Commission chair Baroness Young has pledged to crack down on NHS organisations that fail to adopt National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance.
Alzheimer's Society comment on Age Concern research into depression in older people
12 August 2008
It is a huge concern that more than two million older people who show symptoms of depression are not receiving help and support. It is important to seek help if you have symptoms of depression.
Does being single increase risk of dementia?
31 July 2008
Alzheimer’s Society comment: Living with a partner in midlife can reduce your risk of dementia, according to new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.
New drug targets the tangles caused by Alzheimer's
30 July 2008
New research gives hope that a new drug, called Rember, could help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, by tackling the protein tangles that cause brain cell death.
Alzheimer's Society comment on research into statins and dementia
28 July 2008
Statins are increasingly hitting the headlines as a potential cure for dementia.
Communication key to dementia care
28 July 2008
Alzheimer’s Society comment: Adults with Alzheimer’s disease who are talked to like children are more resistant to care.
Anti-hypertension drugs may benefit people with dementia
28 July 2008
Alzheimer's Society comment on new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD).
MRI hope for dementia research
28 July 2008
Alzheimer's Society comment: Images of the plaques that characterise Alzheimer’s disease have been captured using conventional strength MRI scans on animals for the first time.
Exercise reduces fall in people with dementia
28 July 2008
Alzheimer's Society comment: exercise reduces falls in people with dementia, according to new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.
Alzheimer's Society comment on research suggesting that people with Alzheimer's disease ‘have a greater memory than was previously thought'
24 July 2008
As dementia progresses communication often becomes more difficult but this does not necessarily mean that a person’s understanding has diminished.
Alzheimer's Society comment: new research suggesting Dimebon improves symptoms of people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease
18 July 2008
This encouraging research suggests Dimebon may be an effective treatment for the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer's Society comment: new research in the Lancet suggests a potential vaccine clears plaques in people with dementia but does not slow progression of the disease
18 July 2008
Amyloid plaques form in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer's Society comment on publication of End of Life Strategy
16 July 2008
One in three people over 65 will die with dementia and too many of them are subjected to an undignified and unnecessarily painful death.
Nicotine and dementia
14 July 2008
Alzheimer's Society comment on a review of research studies investigating nicotine and dementia, which have been conducted over the last 5 years
High blood pressure increases risk of dementia by up to 600%
8 July 2008
People with high blood pressure are up to 600% more likely to develop dementia according to new research, released by Alzheimer's Society during Dementia Awareness Week (6- 12 July 2008).
Apprentice-Style Challenge for Property Professionals
7 July 2008
An apprentice style challenge will take the property world by storm as North London takes on South London to drum up funds for people with dementia and their carers on Tuesday 8 July.
Brit Bear paws in pounds for people with dementia
7 July 2008
The pounds will be pawing in for a teddy bear parading through the North of England to raise essential funds for people with dementia and their carers.
Alzheimer's Society comment on the link between high density lipoprotein and dementia
1 July 2008
One of the functions of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is to transport cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver to be degraded.
Alzheimer's Society on Lord Darzi's next stage review of the NHS
30 June 2008
Lord Darzi’s ambitious vision could have enormous benefits for people with dementia.
Alzheimer's Society calls for end to Dementia Tax
26 June 2008
Thousands of people with dementia are being forced to pay large amounts for vital care, which is often poor quality, according to a new report published today by Alzheimer's Society.
Alzheimer's Society comment on the launch of the first National Dementia Strategy (NDS) in England
19 June 2008
Today is a landmark day for people with dementia and their carers, as the government recognises dementia as a national priority.
New Campaign Launched in Wales: Are You Worried About Your Memory?
17 June 2008
Alzheimer's Society launches a new public information campaign in Wales today to raise awareness of dementia, its symptoms and the importance of getting an early diagnosis.
Ginkgo biloba does not help people with dementia, study finds
16 June 2008
Ginkgo biloba has no benefit for people with dementia, according to new Alzheimer’s Society research.
New booklet to tackle dementia abuse
13 June 2008
A new booklet to help care workers identify potential abuse in the dementia care environment will be released on World Elder Abuse Day, 15 June 2008.
Alzheimer's Society comment on new research suggesting bright lights in care homes benefit people with dementia
12 June 2008
This study shows increasing light intensity in care homes can improve the quality of life for people with dementia and those who care for them.
Alzheimer's Society comment on a new strategy for carers that plans to double the amount of respite care for carers in England
11 June 2008
The carers strategy is a good start in tackling the large set of problems faced by carers. Greater investment in respite is very good news.
Alzheimer's Society comment on 'Charging into Poverty?'
4 June 2008
This report confirms the shocking truth that social care charges are hitting vulnerable older people harder than ever.
Alzheimer's Society comment on CSCI report 'See me, not just the dementia'
2 June 2008
Neil Hunt, chief executive, Alzheimer's Society says, 'The standard of dementia care highlighted in this report is a national disgrace.
New campaign launched: Are you worried about your memory?
29 May 2008
Health Minister Ivan Lewis helped launch Alzheimer’s Society’s new public information campaign to raise awareness of dementia, its symptoms and the importance of getting an early diagnosis.
Alzheimer's Society comment on new research showing that short term use of antipsychotic drugs more than triple the risk of a serious event causing hospitalisation or death in people with dementia living in the community
27 May 2008
This comprehensive study highlights the life-threatening effects antipsychotics have on people with dementia and reveals that people in the community are at greater risk than those in nursing homes.
Alzheimer's Society comment on the government's Dignity campaign
21 May 2008
People with dementia are entitled to the same dignity and quality of care as any other patient, but the symptoms of this devastating condition can make this a real challenge.
Alzheimer' s Society comment on a review of palliative care published in the May issue of Journal of Clinical Nursing
12 May 2008
One in three people over 65 will die with dementia and too many of them are subjected to an undignified and unnecessarily painful death.
Alzheimer's Society comment on high court ruling that NICE must hand over the executable model used in the Alzheimer's drugs appraisal and pay costs
9 May 2008
'Understanding how NICE reached its decision to deny treatments to thousands of people in the early stages of Alzheimer's has been difficult when NICE has kept their calculations secret.
Alzheimer's Society comment on the link between obesity and dementia
7 May 2008
The number of people with dementia in the UK is set to soar to over 1 million people in less than 20 years and there is no cure.
T-shirts help tackle dementia
7 May 2008
Luxury fashion house LK Bennett has launched an exclusive range of charity T-shirts featuring designs by the artist William Scott, to support the Alzheimer's Society.
Royalty, celebrities and people with dementia celebrate charity opening
2 May 2008
HRH Princess Alexandra will meet people with dementia, carers, volunteers and staff from Alzheimer's Society to celebrate the opening of the charity's central office in London today.
Alzheimer's Society comment on new research suggesting tarenflurbil may be effective in halting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, from the Lancet Neurology
2 May 2008
This exciting clinical trial suggests a modification of a safe and readily available anti-inflammatory drug has a positive impact on memory and function for people with mild Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Society comment on high court ruling (01 May 2007) that procedural fairness required NICE to release a fully executable version of the cost-effectiveness model it used to produce guidance for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer's
1 May 2008
Alzheimer’s Society comment on high court ruling (01 May 2007) that procedural fairness required NICE to release a fully executable version of the cost-effectiveness model it used to produce guidance for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer's.
MPs highlight abuse of human rights of people with dementia
28 April 2008
An influential group of MPs is calling on the Government to stop the dangerous over-prescribing of antipsychotic drugs to people with dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment on reducing your risk of developing dementia
16 April 2008
It is important that people lead a healthy lifestyle to reduce their risk of developing dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment on the size of the hippocampus and dementia
16 April 2008
It is unclear from this relatively small study if an enlarged hippocampus is the reason why people with dementia might not show signs of the condition.
Alzheimer's Society comment on new research linking type 2 diabetes and dementia
10 April 2008
Dementia and diabetes have both been linked to being overweight and having an ‘apple’ shaped body.
Alzheimer's Society comment on award for ground-breaking dementia documentary
4 April 2008
We are thrilled to hear Malcolm & Barbara: Love's Farewell has been named best single documentary at the 34th Broadcasting Press Guild Television and Radio Awards.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on new research suggesting caffeine may help reduce Alzheimer’s disease
3 April 2008
This is the best evidence yet that caffeine equivalent to one cup of coffee a day can help protect the brain against cholesterol.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on Paul Burstow MP's report on the use of antipsychotics in people with dementia.
1 April 2008
The overprescribing of antipsychotics to people with dementia is robbing people of their quality of life and is a serious breach of human rights.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on new research showing that antipsychotic drugs accelerate cognitive deterioration in people with Alzheimer’s disease published in PLoS Medicine Journal
1 April 2008
This important research demonstrates that antipsychotic drugs not only have no long-term benefit for people with dementia, but also cause significant cognitive deterioration.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on care homes, the Human Rights Act and Department of Health announcement on elder abuse research
27 March 2008
Two thirds of the country’s care home residents are living with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on research into abdominal obesity and risk of dementia published in Journal of the American Academy of Neurology
27 March 2008
We have known for sometime that obesity dramatically increases your risk of developing dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment on research into Hormone Replacement Therapy, memory loss and Alzheimer's disease
25 March 2008
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cannot be viewed as a treatment option for reducing risk or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
'Inspiring' person centred dementia care
20 March 2008
'Inspiring' a new Alzheimer's Society publication, aimed at shining a light on leadership in dementia care is released today (20 March 2008).
Alzheimer’s Society comment on Bafta nomination for dementia documentary
18 March 2008
It is fantastic that Malcolm & Barbara: Love’s Farewell has been nominated for a Bafta Television award in the category of best single documentary.
Alzheimer's Society comment on Terry Pratchett's donation to Alzheimer's research
13 March 2008
Terry Pratchett's brave decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis is shining a welcome light on what it is like to live with dementia.
Stars join people with Alzheimer’s disease in the fight against dementia
11 March 2008
Presenter Ruth Langsford, writer Rosie Boycott and BBC Radio One DJ Richard McCourt are today (Tuesday 11 March) adding their names to Alzheimer’s Society’s Vice-Presidents, Patrons and Ambassadors.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on the announcement of human trials of cannabis-derived drugs.
11 March 2008
The quest for treatments for people with dementia is a critical area of research.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on genetic risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease
11 March 2008
Scientists have been aware for some time that the genes we inherit from our parents may partly determine whether we will develop specific diseases.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on ecstasy and dementia
11 March 2008
It is not known whether the drug ecstasy, which only became prominent around 15 – 20 years ago, may contribute to the development of dementia in later life.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on the use of the Human Rights Act in private care homes
19 February 2008
More than two thirds of people in care homes are living with dementia and thousands of them and their carers are left exposed by this scandalous legal loophole.
Oscar-nominated actress returns with acclaimed depiction of Alzheimer's disease
15 February 2008
Actress Julie Christie will return to cinemas today (15th February 2008) with her performance of a woman living with Alzheimer's disease.
Poll shows overwhelming support for trained staff in care homes
5 February 2008
Ninety seven per cent of people agree well-trained staff are important when it comes to deciding on a good quality care home.
Alzheimer's Society comment on the All Party Parliamentary Group inquiry into the use of antipsychotics in care homes
4 February 2008
Thousands of dementia sufferers are routinely prescribed dangerous antipsychotic drugs, increasing their chance of death and causing distressing side effects, such as excessive sedation and dizziness.
Alzheimer's Society comment on work at the University of Chester into homocysteine and vitamins
1 February 2008
People with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease have been shown to have higher levels of homocysteine, in some population studies.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on deep brain stimulation techniques to help Alzheimer’s patients
30 January 2008
As it is difficult to experiment on the living human brain, big leaps in understanding have occasionally been made from unexpected results.
Alzheimer's Society comment on State of Social Care in England 2006-2007, by the social care regulator Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI)
29 January 2008
This report confirms the awful truth that our broken care system is abandoning vulnerable people. This is a modern day scandal.
Alzheimer’s Society comment on University of Sunderland research into non thermal near infra-red light and improved cognitive function
25 January 2008
A treatment that reverses the effects of dementia rather than just temporarily halting its symptoms could change the lives of the hundreds of thousands of people who live with dementia.
MPs condemn state of dementia services in England
24 January 2008
Dementia is one of the biggest health and social challenges facing the country: in less than 20 years there will over a million people living with a form of dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment on new research suggesting statins do not reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease or improve cognition, published in Journal of Neurology
21 January 2008
This interesting study contradicts previous research highlighting statins as a possible tool for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or slowing down its progression.
Alzheimer's Society responds to Health Select Committee inquiry on NICE
10 January 2008
People in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease should never have been denied drug treatments the Alzheimer's Society said today.
Alzheimer's Society comment on lead exposure and risk of Alzheimer's disease, following research in the Journal of Neuroscience.
9 January 2008
This study does not prove that exposure to lead in early life causes Alzheimer's disease.
Radio series asks tough questions about social care
7 January 2008
The reality of social care is exposed in a new radio series starting today (7th January 2008) as a report claims the long-term care system is complex and unfair.
