Alzheimer's 'not a symptom of aging'

Retirees can breath a sigh of relief by learning that Alzheimer's Disease is not an inevitable symptom of getting older, an expert has claimed.

Ian Weatherhead, lead nurse for the national telephone helpline, Admiral Nursing Direct, believes society has been misled about the facts surrounding the disease.

He said: "Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging as people are often led to believe by their GP.

"Yes, we are all living longer, and increased age is a risk factor in developing Alzheimer's Disease, but it is no longer acceptable to state it is simply 'a normal part of getting old'."

However, research from the World Alzheimer Report 2011 showed that up to 27 million people across the globe are living with undiagnosed Alzheimer's.

This was backed up by a report from the Alzheimer's Disease International, which revealed that the majority of people with dementia go undetected.

Mr Weatherhead said: "Early diagnosis is essential in order to access appropriate treatment options."

He concluded that those facing the illness may also need to seek financial assistance to fund their care.

Posted by David Shuker