What is Alzheimer’s disease? The symptoms and causes explained after Jon Snow diagnosis – UK Times

Veteran newsreader Jon Snow has revealed he is battling Alzheimer’s disease, a diagnosis he received in 2023.

The announcement was made on Friday by the charity Alzheimer’s Society, bringing the condition into sharp focus.

Here is everything you need to know about the condition…

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease, a physical illness that progressively damages the brain, stands as the most prevalent cause of dementia in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Dementia itself impairs memory, thinking skills, and other cognitive abilities, profoundly affecting daily life.

What are the causes?

While the precise trigger remains elusive, Alzheimer’s is believed to stem from an abnormal accumulation of proteins in and around brain cells, a process that can begin years before symptoms manifest.

The NHS notes that while the exact cause is not fully understood, risk factors include family history and lifestyle elements linked to cardiovascular disease.

What are the symptoms?

Initial signs often include memory difficulties, mood shifts, and challenges with thinking and reasoning. As the disease advances, these symptoms can escalate to confusion, disrupted sleep patterns, and disorientation in familiar surroundings.

The NHS also highlights that hallucinations and delusions may occur, potentially worsening over time. The illness can further impact speech, language, mobility, and personality, sometimes leading to increased aggression, demanding behaviour, or suspicion towards others.

How many people are affected?

Approximately one million people in the UK are estimated to live with dementia, a figure projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040. Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 80 per cent of these cases. While predominantly affecting those over 65, younger individuals can also be diagnosed.

On average, individuals with Alzheimer’s live for eight to ten years post-symptom onset, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. The condition is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906.

How is it treated?

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, though certain medications can alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and pain.

Mr. Snow himself has reportedly participated in a clinical trial for the disease. Organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society provide crucial support for affected individuals and their carers.