Research conducted by Alzheimer’s Research UK shows that 37% of women and 27% of men born this year will develop the disease that causes memory loss, personality changes and impaired reasoning at some point in their life.
As experts estimate that by 2050 more than two million people in Britain will develop it, Dr Matthew Norton of Alzheimer’s Research, said: “Dementia is our greatest medical challenge and if we are to beat it we must invest in research. If we could delay the onset of dementia by five years, we could reduce the number of people living with the condition by a third.”
Professor Christian Holscher, researcher at Lancaster University, said: “It is a horrific prospect that so many people are going to be affected by dementia. We are staring into the abyss but I am optimistic that with financial support we can beat this terrible illness – it’s just a matter of time.”
Explaining the effect dementia can have on the whole family, Rachel Thompson of Dementia UK is remaining optimistic that we will, with time, beat this illness: “We are staring into the abyss but I am optimistic that with financial support we can beat this terrible illness – it’s just a matter of time.”
However, while experts look for a cure, medical professionals are pleading with the public to maintain regular exercise and a healthy diet in order to keep the body and mind in good condition.
