BTS of the memory clinic

I often have older adults come into the memory clinic who are not concerned about their memory but their GP had some concerns. 

One client who was not concerned showed some memory loss with a score of 71/100 on the Addenbrooke’s cognitive test. They were unable to recall three words after a delay. They incorrectly copied two intersecting pentagons and a 3D cube. They were unable to tell me the date and the day correctly.

This patient has no concerns with cooking, cleaning, or gardening.  

They had a CT brain scan booked so will come back once the scan is done to see one of our doctors.

It might be that this patient is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease but without there also being an impact upon her daily life it is not dementia. It might be that her high IQ helped to delay the onset of memory difficulties.

Exercise is so important for a healthy brain.

Helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain

Encourages a healthy microbiome

Supports the growth and repair of brain cells

Aids in depression prevention

Aids sleep


Read more

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘use it or lose it’. Here’s some evidence that supports that this may be true in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

A common comment by patients to the memory clinic, is that their memory is impaired because they haven’t been doing anything or talking to anyone. Lockdown in particular saw some people’s memory declined faster than it may have done. Why did the pandemic lead to a worsening of their memories? Read more

One of the possible mechanisms contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s disease is gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis is where the intestinal flora or bacteria living in the large intestines are unbalanced. Amino acids produced by less beneficial bacteria can trigger an inflammatory response leading to neuroinflammation.
New drug therapies have been developed and are being trialed that remodel the microbiome. Reducing these amino acids may reduce the infiltration of immune cells to the brain, and in turn reduce neuroinflammation. Read more