Hospital at cutting edge when it comes to dementia research
By Mary Dennehy
BETWEEN 30 and 50 per cent of all cases of dementia can be prevented through lifestyle changes, with instances of the disease reducing dramatically in those who monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and diabetes in mid-life.
Ground-breaking preventative work is being carried out in Tallaght Hospital’s Memory Clinic, which is the national hub for a global research project that is investigating ways of diagnosing Alzheimer’s as early as possible.
The clinic was opened to address Tallaght’s rapidly aging population, which is one of the most rapidly aging areas in Europe.
Speaking with The Echo this week, Dr Sean Kennelly, Consultant Physician in Geriatric Medicine, said that Tallaght Hospital is at the cutting edge when it comes to dementia research and disease prevention, with the health facility and St James’s the only two Irish hospitals that test for a protein called amyloid – which stored in the brain is believed to contribute to dementia.
“When somebody comes to us with mild symptoms of memory loss, we carry out a number of tests and in some cases test for high levels of protein in the brain”, Dr Kennelly said.
“I don’t think there is as much stigma around Alzheimer’s as there used to be and there is definitely more awareness of the disease and its symptoms in younger people.
“We have people coming to us who are in their late fifties where as a decade ago, those coming forward were over the age of 70 and experiencing significant symptoms.
“We know a lot more than we used to when it comes to dementia and up to two years ago the only definite way to say that a person has Alzheimer’s was by autopsy.
“Now, since we’ve started testing for amyloid proteins we can give a concrete diagnosis.”
He added: “We can provide medication at this stage but I cannot stress the importance of preventative measures, we’re always going to be better able to prevent Alzheimer’s than treat it.
“The key message is that lifestyle changes can reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer’s.
“There are changes that can help such as a brisk 30-minute walk four times a week and adopting a Mediterranean diet, which is more fish, fruit and veg and less red meat.”
Dr Kennelly added how the management of conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and weight can also reduce the risk of dementia.
For example, he told The Echo how people with high blood pressure in their forties and fifties have a 60 per cent greater risk of developing dementia where as a person with diabetes has between a 200 and 300 per cent chance – if they don’t manage their sugars correctly.
“We can definitely try to stop dementia and here at the memory clinic we are working hard to try and raise awareness around the lifestyle changes that can make a difference”, he said.
“Informed social engagement is also very important for good brain health like starting a new hobby, meeting a new person or learning a new skill.
“Even though Tallaght is a young community we are also a rapidly aging community and are only getting our first wave of an older generation now, these would be the people who moved to Tallaght in the sixties and seventies.
“We need to shape the community to reflect this and introduce the necessary supports and services for our older people.”
The clinic is also in the process of setting up a community-based exercise programme targeted at high risk groups in the next six months.
Anybody experiencing memory loss or concerned about the health of their brain is encouraged to contact the Memory Clinic at Tallaght Hospital.
Alternatively, tips and advice are available on the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s website, www.alzheimer.ie or call the national helpline on 1800 341 341.
