Fighting the good fight

✒ WHAT good news it is to read and hear how the battle against dementia is being fought on many fronts.

The Holy Grail for anyone with a relative today suffering from a serious and degerative disease such as Alzheimer’s is a new drug offering a complete cure.

But so far, despite intensive efforts in recent years, researchers have yet to come up with the big breakthrough that could give any comfort to the estimated 800,000 familites affected by dementia.

Despite this, there is a real will to continue the hunt for disease markers, early identifying tests and clinical trials that it is hoped will soon lead to new and successful treatments.

And with Prime Minister Theresa May pledging to do more by giving more money into research for the condition, it will be just what the doctor ordered. We have to remember that dementia costs the country £23 billion a year, more than heart disease and strokes combined, so it’s important our scientists tackle dementia.

I’m sure by educating the public of the earliest symptoms and increase awareness of Alzheimer’s it can be diagnosed in the early stages and then get treatment to slow the disease down.

It’s also good to hear how the public’s attitude to cancer today has changed dramatically in the last 20 years.

It used to be a word that was whispered behind closed doors and in fear, with people rarely talking openly about the experiences or treatment. But these days it’s discussed openly and is not all doom and gloom.

I’m hoping with more funding for research we may find all the answers and will give all dementia sufferes a new lease of life.

D F Courtney

Weston-super-Mare