We are delighted to announce that we have chosen Alzheimer’s Society as our charity of the year for 2023 and will be making donations via the Work for Good platform. Our team is passionate about improving the lives of those affected by dementia.
In June, July and August we will make a donation for every health assessment booked. Alzheimer’s Society vows to help end the devastation caused by dementia, through dedicated support and research into life-changing treatments and we are proud to support them.
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are very complex, but one key part is the build-up of two substances inside the brain called amyloid and tau. When conditions in the brain aren’t right, these clump up and form tiny structures called plaques and tangles. These make it harder for the brain to work properly.
Over time the disease causes certain parts to become smaller. It also reduces the amount of important chemicals needed to send messages around the brain.
Eventually the brain struggles to cope with the damage and the person begins to have problems with memory and thinking. When it gets to the stage where these problems are making it difficult for the person to do everyday tasks that they used to do easily, this is called ‘dementia’.
Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?
The term ‘Alzheimer’s disease’ – or Alzheimer’s – can be used to describe the physical disease that damages the brain, as well as the type of dementia that the disease causes.
Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
It is very important for anyone who has worsening problems with their memory or thinking to be assessed by a health professional, which is most often their GP. If a GP thinks their symptoms may be caused by dementia, they will refer the person to a local memory service for more detailed assessment.
Alzheimer’s will usually be diagnosed by a specialist health professional. Getting an early diagnosis has many benefits.
