All Policies Include Coronavirus Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
20 April 2015 09:35
Scientists found the drug DFMO can prevent memory loss in mice
A drug currently being trialled to treat cancer has been shown to potentially prevent Alzheimer's disease in mice.
The research, which has been welcomed by the Alzheimer's Society, has been hailed as a breakthrough in finding new treatments for dementia.
Scientists from Duke University in the US discovered that immune cells in the brains of mice with Alzheimer's consumed a vital nutrient called arginine.
However, they were able to halt this process using the drug DFMO, staving off the build-up of dangerous brain plaques and preventing memory loss.
Widespread impact
Dementia currently affects 850,000 people in the UK, but it should not have to stop families from enjoying a holiday.
Alzheimer's travel insurance can tailor policies to suit specific care needs.
New ideas
The latest study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, analysed mice that had been genetically engineered to make their immune systems more similar to humans.
Senior author Carol Colton, professor of neurology at the Duke University School of Medicine, says the research could "open the doors" to thinking about Alzheimer's in a completely different way, and break the "stalemate of ideas".
'Surprising results'
It had previously been thought that in dementia cases the brain releases molecules which send the immune system into overdrive, apparently damaging the brain.
But the study found a heightened expression of genes associated with the suppression of the immune system.
Matthew Kan, who led the study, says the results are surprising because they contradict current thinking about the causes of Alzheimer's disease.
Rodents that had been given the drug DFMO to block arginase, an enzyme that breaks down arginine, were found to perform better in memory tests.
Dementia currently costs the UK economy more than £26 billion each year, and it is feared that around one person every three minutes may develop the disease.
28 February 2020
From tulip-filled trips to rose-tinged rests, these destinations are the perfect way to see in the new season.
[more...]
04 January 2021
Join us on a journey to Ancient Greece to discover more about history's most revered statue.
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now - unfortunately, there's still no easy answer...
Discover why planes are more hygienic than you might think.
Dive into Queensland's colourful coral.
02 November 2020
With the global travel industry slowly getting back on its feet, it's a great time for holiday bargain hunters. Here are our top tips for 2021.