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.
29 November 2013 10:29
Enjoying the holiday sunshine: Alzheimer's disease need not be a barrier to travel breaks
Regular head injuries have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.
University of Cambridge scientists claim regular bangs could spark a process in the brain associated with the condition that causes dementia.
But Alzheimer's disease need not be a barrier to beneficial foreign travel. Sufferers or their family or carers can always find affordable holiday medical insurance relating to the illness by visiting World First.
Researchers used laser imaging to single out clumps of a protein called tau on the brains of sufferers.
They identified potential associations with neuronal harm such as that suffered in contact sports.
The results lend additional scientific detail to earlier studies which have indicated potential links between contact sports and a raised risk of developing Alzheimer's.
A knowledge of how the tau protein behaves and disperses between nerve cells may help to prompt fresh approaches for treatment, Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, suggests.
Tao is found in healthy brain cells. But bunches of malfunctioning tau stop brain cells from working successfully.
These are found in the brains of people who have died with Alzheimer's.
Scientists found that cells instantly started to ingest the protein when small amounts were added to the exterior of brain cells.
Healthy proteins started to not work properly as a result of the clumping, which in real life could be sparked by repeated head injuries during contact sports.
Dr. Ridley added: "It is unclear from this study whether head injury could trigger this molecular process, but it is a risk factor for dementia that needs to be investigated further."
The results are published in The Journal Of Biological Chemistry.
Alzheimer's disease is probably the best-known cause of dementia, accounting for about two-thirds of cases in older people, according to Alzheimer's Research UK. Over half a million people in the UK the condition.
09 March 2020
Move over hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, there's a whole world of Easter treats out there. Here are some alternative Easter foods from around the world.
[more...]
Forget egg hunts and bunnies, Easter's done a little bit differently in these corners of the world. Here five alternative Easter celebrations.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
25 February 2020
For true carefree travel, decide on a destination that's kinder to the planet...
20 February 2020
Travel into the future and not just through time-zones, with destinations shaping urban living.
National Anthem Day falls on the 3rd March, so what better excuse is there to delve into into the world of music and motherland?
Discover five alternative places to get down on one knee this leap year.
Two-wheels are better than none. Check out our favourite cities best explored from a saddle.
04 February 2020
Make your phone the perfect travel companion for the new year...
Bohemian boulevards and ornate opera houses await away from the Six Nations action.
Kite Flying Day falls on 8th February. What better time is there to plan your next trip through the skies?
10 February 2020
With Ferris Wheel Day on 14th February, there's never been a better excuse to enjoy a foreign skyline.