Val’s memory walk for Alzheimer’s
On 16thSept 2018 our practice manager Val Cook, along with a few family members and friends, completed the Peterborough Alzheimer’s Society Memory walk.
“Alzheimer’s is a disease and diseases can be cured….”
Val’s memory walk for Alzheimer’s raised over £1000, which is fantastic! Well done!!
“I did the Memory Walk in memory of Muriel Gayton, my partners’ mother. Until the day we find a cure, the Alzheimer’s Society aims to create an environment where those who are affected by dementia people are supported and accepted. Then they will be able to live in their community without fear or prejudice,” said Val.
“If we start to think differently about dementia, and challenge others to join us, then we can begin to realise the incredible breakthroughs that are possible through research. And together, we can make them happen.”
The Alzheimer’s Society aims to transform the landscape of dementia forever.
If you would like to find a local memory walk near you follow this link!
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. These symptoms occur when the brain is damaged by certain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease, named after the doctor who first described it (Alois Alzheimer), is a physical disease that affects the brain.
During the course of the disease, proteins build up in the brain to form structures called ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’. This leads to the loss of connections between nerve cells, and eventually to the death of nerve cells and loss of brain tissue.
People with Alzheimer’s also have a shortage of some important chemicals in their brain. These chemical messengers help to transmit signals around the brain. When there is a shortage of them, the signals are not transmitted as effectively.
Current treatments for Alzheimer’s disease can help boost the levels of chemical messengers in the brain, which can help with some of the symptoms. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. This means that gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. As this happens, more symptoms develop. They also become more severe.