What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia in the UK. Dementia is a type of progressive neurological condition (PNC) that is characterised by a group of symptoms that are associated with a gradual decline in brain functioning, and can cause a whole host of problems within areas such as:

• Memory
• Information processing
• Judgement
• Emotions
• Language
• The ability to carry out normal day-to-day tasks

The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age, with this illness being common in people who are over the age of 65. However, around 1 in every 20 cases of Alzheimer’s disease affects individuals between the ages of 45 and 60; this is known as early onset dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive, and life-limiting illness, which currently has no cure.

Whilst research into Alzheimer’s disease is ongoing, scientists believe that structures within the brain, known as plaques and tangles, may contribute to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Plaques are clusters of protein which build up between nerve cells. Tangles are intertwined protein fibres that form inside dying brain cells. Whilst even healthy brains can have some plaques and tangles, these have found to be much more pronounced within the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Plaques and tangles can occur in all areas of the brain, and are thought to be one of the major causes of the tissue damage and brain cell death that are characteristic of the illness.

Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease at Priory

Priory provides high quality treatment interventions that aim to maximise independence and maintain quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s disease, as part of our dedicated Brain Injury Services. We can provide expert support, delivered across our specialist sites throughout the UK.

Our approaches for patients who are experiencing a PNC are based on a model of person-centred care and are aimed at minimising the impact of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Our treatment approaches encompass all aspects of neurological support, including:

• Physical
• Behavioural
• Cognitive
• Emotional
• Communication
• Social

Treatment is delivered within a broad variety of environments, ranging from hospital settings to transitional living homes. We can care for patients at all stages of their condition right through to delivering bespoke end of life care support, based on individual needs and preferences. The breadth of the service allows our network to offer comprehensive care pathways, ensuring that all services have consistency in their approach and adhere to national guidelines. 

Priory is experienced in providing a range of specialist complex care services for people with Alzheimer’s disease. We are dedicated to supporting both the patient and family, with the intention of maximising quality of life and maintaining functional independence for as long as possible.