Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about Coronavirus? Click here for more information. Please note that due to exceptional circumstances our opening hours are currently 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday. We apologise for any inconvenience.
21 April 2016 14:02
A protein jab could potentially help those with Alzheimer's
A simple protein jab may help Alzheimer's patients of the future, scientists hope.
Glasgow and Hong Kong-based researchers say their "encouraging" study appears to reduce the advance and symptoms of the dementia illness.
The Interleukin 33 (IL-33) protein treatment has already helped to reverse mice cognitive decline. Similar tests on humans are due to start soon.
But scientists believe the process will not be able to help real-life patients for some years.
So how does it work?
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Glasgow University researchers found that the mice's brain and memory functions sharply improved over just seven days.
Scientists already know that Alzheimer's sufferers have less IL-33 in their brains than non-sufferers.
IL-33 seems to function by mobilising the brain's immune cells to lessen the size and amount of deposits which characterise the disease.
These deposits and brain tangles accumulate and result in severed links between the nerve cells, ultimately leading to brain tissue loss.
In addition, IL-33 inhibits brain tissue inflammation. This is linked with tangles and deposits forming.
Peace of mind at hand
Whether travellers have Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, this should not prevent them or their carers enjoying a holiday abroad.
Alzheimer's-related travel insurance can cover sufferers against the unexpected on their trip.
This includes round-the-clock emergency medical cover and the replacement of lost medication.
What the expert says
Eddy Liew, a Glasgow professor who co-directed the new study, says the results are "encouraging" and "exciting".
But Prof Liew urges caution as scientists are not sure how the findings pertain to Alzheimer's in humans. He says there is so far a significant distance between clinical applications and what was found in the lab.
Prof Liew says that too many false medical industry "breakthroughs" have been announced in the past. This means that robust clinical trials should be carried out first before scientists can breathe out. But he says a good beginning has been made.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA has published the findings.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
[more...]
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.
Looking for a Valentine's getaway but want to avoid the clichés? Try one these alternative romantic destinations...
27 January 2020
With ancient architecture and marble marvels at every turn, there are plenty of reasons to get onside with our plans away from the rugby in Rome.