https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/14/dementia-and-alzheimers-leading-cause-of-death-england-and-wales
It would seem credible if someone mentioned cancer or heart disease as being the biggest killer of the general public. Obesity rates are high we are always (presumably correctly) informed and whilst smoking seems to be on the decline there are so many environmental issues that seem to tangentially contribute to cancer amongst other health issues. Yet here we are again, looking at proof of the fact that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is more likely that ever to have an impact on your life either second-hand or personally.
What is more concerning is that whilst heart disease and cancer may offer long, drawn-out declines comprising misery, discomfort and fear in many cases, there is no comparison to the elongated battle with dementia.
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease does not prompt a period of treatment (agonising in its own right or otherwise) nor does a lifestyle and diet change offer much more than the slowing of progression (though there is much to be said for this and I will post much more on this subject in future). Whatever we do the end result is the same and without significant investment this will not change. The fact is that the costs of ‘treatment’ for dementia are actually the costs of domiciliary care which as we all know are exhorbitant. Certainly, the idea of NHS care from ‘cradle to grave’ was not devised with anything like this disease in mind. State run care in the U.K. would be less expensive than private care homes which are thoroughly overpriced primarily due to massive property loans and rather distasteful profit margins but I find it unlikely that any organisation of the size necessary would be able to cope with the range and scale of issues endured and as a result of living with dementia.
New potential cures get reported all the time (http://www.nhs.uk/news/2015/03March/Pages/Ultrasound-breakthrough-in-treating-Alzheimers-in-mice.aspx) but there is a terribly long way to go for any of these potential treatments even to be tested on humans never mind accepted as safe, valuable and effective treatment.
In the face of this challenge remain positive, for advocacy, positivity, care and strength are still our most valuable tools in the battle with dementia.