alziemers

[shaking]

such good news regarding the new drug, having coped with this disease for the last 15 years of my nearest and dearest it hasn't come soon enough.

[shaking]

sorry can't spell, alzhiemers, think that's right

[Velvetee]

Do we know if this new drug can reverse the disease or just stop it from worsening? Would the sufferer's mental impairments get better?

Also are there any reported side effetcs from the drug?

[Sir Alec]

I saw a report on this on Look North a few weeks ago and it was remarkable. The next thing we'll be hearing is that people in certain areas are being denied it due to cost. This always seems to happen when something SO vital is discovered.
Hello velvetee, how is your Mum doing?

[Velvetee]

Hi sir Alec, thanks for asking about my mother, how's your father? (gosh that sounded odd)

My mother isn't any better, I've found a Cardiologist, who did trials 4 years ago for valve replacement via the Femoral Artery, using a catheter, so we'll see him and take it from there.

I think you're right about this new drug probably only being available to certain people in certain catchment areas. It is a real breakthrough though. Alzheimers is a terrible disease and traumatic for both sufferers and their loved ones.

[NiceCupOfTea]

It sounds really good. It breaks down the build up of proteins in the brain cells that may either be a symptom of or a reason for the disease.

I look forward to the next round of testing.

My father's father (too Monty Python, I know) was one of seven brothers. The only one who didn't die from Alzheimer's disease was one who died from alcoholism. When I asked my father if he was worried he just did his shrug. He's 62 this year. Still not affected, but neither was his father until he hit 68 ish. I'm paranoid as my dad is going to retire to the South Sea Islands when he's 65. He�s now 62. I live in Europe. What can I do, incidentally, seeing as he won't probably get any new drugs anyway by then?

[Sir Alec]

Sorry missed your post earlier, Velvetee. My Dad's had quite a bad day. He's been very vague and I can't get him to go out of the house, even though the doctor has told him he must get more exercise.
I hope your appointment with the cardiologist goes well. My Mum wasn't able to have an operation, it would've killed her. The heart attack she had at 58 left the majority of her heart "dead". However, careful medication kept her alive for another 20 years, so I can't complain.
It would've been her birthday on Aug 3rd, so I'm dreading Dad realizing. It's going to be very hard to say the least!

[jno]

just stopped the decline I think, Velvetee

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7525115.stm

[KRUSTYMAN]

I'm just afraid that this new drug will get too many peoples hopes up. From my understanding this drug not only took 4 years to trial it will still be another 4 years before it will be available ( I hope I'm wrong!). My wifes friends husband has Alzheimers and he is a complete mess, as is his wife and kids as they try to cope with it, and it really is tragic and my heart goes out to anyone whose life is affected by this.

[MiniN]

my uncle died in his 50's of alhziemers only a couple of years ago. i'm happy that this new drug will save so many but sad that it has come too late for my uncle.

if my cousin inherits it at least she will stand a chance with all the new drugs coming out.

[Lindylou]

I never understand why they tell us that a new wonder drug will cure something or other but won't be available for another 4 - 5 years. How awful to have someone suffering who can't be helped NOW and will have to wait years and years. Why isn't it announced that its all been sorted and will be available as and from next week?