New support programme for Alzheimer's Disease sufferers in Europe
26 March 2010
A new support programme for patients and carers was launched
at the 25th Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) Conference this
month.
This initiative, Memory Problems?, which has been
instigated and funded by Eisai Europe Ltd and Pfizer Limited, will
become available across Europe during 2010.
It has been created to help people recognise the early signs and
symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and to distinguish these from the
normal changes that occur with ageing. It provides practical advice
and tools to help anyone concerned about memory problems in a loved
one to take action by talking to those affected and consulting their
doctor.
“Diagnosing dementia is often difficult, particularly in the
early stages, but this is when it is most important”, says Professor
Roy Jones from The Research Institute for the Care of Older People
(RICE) Centre, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK. “If we can diagnose
and start managing Alzheimer’s disease early, we can help patients
and their families cope better with the situation. Unfortunately,
there is no cure for this devastating disease, but there are
treatments that may slow the progression of symptoms and these
should be prescribed at the time of diagnosis.”
The IMPACT survey on Alzheimer’s disease
The importance of family members and other caregivers in
recognising the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease was highlighted
in a recent large online survey. The IMPACT (Important Perspectives
on Alzheimer’s Care and Treatment) study involved 1,800 doctors,
caregivers, payors and members of the general public from France,
Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
The study showed that 93% of Alzheimer’s disease patients were
initially brought to the doctor by a family member. Furthermore, two
thirds (66%) of European doctors believe family members are most
likely to recognise the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. This
indicates the vital role that family members can play in spotting
the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and encouraging their relative
to visit a doctor.
However, the research also highlighted that many caregivers were
not aware of all of the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s
disease and that the average time from a caregiver noticing symptoms
to making an appointment with a doctor was 43 weeks.
The survey found that nearly half (45%) of patients
discussing Alzheimer’s disease with their doctors for the first time
were already experiencing moderate symptoms. The reasons that
caregivers gave for the delay in seeing a doctor about symptoms
included wanting to ensure symptoms were not temporary (38%), the
belief that symptoms were a normal part of ageing (36%) and
resistance from the patient (33%).
The Memory Problems? website includes two innovative
animations. These are short educational films that bring to life
some of the symptoms and behaviours that are early indicators of the
disease, as well as prompting family members to take early action
when they recognise these symptoms.
As many adults already search online for health information, the
Memory Problems? website is an ideal place for worried
families to begin dealing with concerns.
“It can be difficult to recognise and confront the first stages
of Alzheimer’s disease, so anything that helps people to recognise
the early symptoms is very welcome,” says Marc Wortmann, Executive
Director, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). “There is a need
for more awareness and more information about Alzheimer’s disease in
many European countries. The Memory Problems? campaign could
therefore be a valuable resource for many people.”