Nutricia Launches Drink for People with Early Alzheimer's Disease

15 Jan 2013 --- Around 800,000 people in the UK live with dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease is the most common form. It is a growing health problem in an aging population, leading the government to prioritise earlier diagnosis of the condition.

 

The loss of connections in the brain (synapses) is one of the key features of early Alzheimer's disease. A combination of nutrients are required in the process of making new connections and people living with Alzheimer's disease have been shown to have relatively low levels of these nutrients in their bodies despite eating a normal diet.

 

This adds to a growing body of evidence that highlights how nutrition can help manage the disease in the early stages.

 

Dr David Wilkinson, Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry, commented: "Alzheimer's disease is not part and parcel of aging but a serious and progressive disease of the brain which prevents us from being able to retain new memories. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at processing essential nutrients, meaning that we need to increase our intake of food to absorb the same amount of nutrients in order to maintain a healthy body. In the same way, we need the right nutrients for our brains to keep them healthy.

 

"Alzheimer's disease sufferers often find it very difficult to get everything they need through diet alone and the nutritional intervention by the use of Souvenaid is a new area of research offering promising results for the management of early Alzheimer's disease."

 

The current healthcare provision for people with early Alzheimer's disease fails to reflect the important role that nutrition can play in managing the disease. A recent survey of specialists involved in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease showed that only a third (33%) regularly assess patients' nutritional status during the diagnostic process.14 Two-thirds of specialists do not even have access to a dietician for these patients.

 

Often, after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, it can be difficult to stay positive, particularly when there is little to offer in the way of effective early interventions. Souvenaid offers a new option for people living with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

 

Barbara Stephens, Dementia UK Chief Executive, commented: "A diagnosis of dementia is devastating both for those with the condition and their families and carers. Early-stage intervention is important for maximising choices and enabling people with dementia and their carers to lead healthier lives for longer." 

 

Souvenaid contains a unique combination of nutrients that are naturally present in food, at levels difficult to achieve from diet alone. It contains: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), uridine (as uridine monophosphate [UMP]) and choline, together with phospholipids and B vitamins. Souvenaid comes in two tasty flavours (vanilla and strawberry) and tastes best served chilled. Souvenaid is designed to be incorporated into the daily routine, for example, by taking it at breakfast time.

 

Souvenaid is a Food for Special Medical Purposes, for the dietary management of early Alzheimer's disease. It is available over-the-counter from local accredited pharmacists. People with early Alzheimer's disease must speak with a doctor, specialist nurse, dietician or pharmacist to see if Souvenaid is right for them.