UK’s first brain health clinic opens in Manchester

A new brain health clinic has opened in Manchester as part of a pilot aimed at improving early diagnosis and treatment of dementia. 

The Manchester Brain Health Centre opened on Monday, World Alzheimer’s Day, as part of a two-year pilot looking at how people with memory problems are assessed and treated.

Patients can have tests including MRI scans, lumbar punctures, heart health checks and behavioural assessments.

The clinic will also look at possible risk factors for dementia and other conditions that could be affecting memory. 

People can’t refer themselves to the centre. Instead, patients who meet the criteria will be referred via existing memory assessment services. 

Those taking part in the pilot may also be offered the chance to participate in research and clinical trials, where appropriate. 

Michelle Dyson CB, chief executive officer of Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, but it is not an inevitable part of ageing. Nearly half (45%) of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing health and lifestyle factors, throughout our lives, like high blood pressure. 

‘If we can identify people early enough, we can significantly improve their brain health and help put the brakes on dementia. ‘

For Helen Beaumont, 75 from Manchester, the importance of earlier diagnosis is personal. Her Husband, Clive, was diagnosed with young-onset dementia when he was 46 and died just five years later. 

‘Looking back now, it is clear that the signs were there for a while,’ Helen explained. ‘Clive first went to his GP when he was 40 because he was struggling with reading and writing, but we were reassured it was nothing serious. 

‘As his symptoms worsened, he lost his job and gradually became unable to do things he had always done with ease. We spent years searching for answers without understanding what was happening.’ 

‘As both a carer and now a dementia researcher, I know first hand how much difference and earlier and more accurate diagnosis can make,’ Helen continued. 

‘It can help people understand what it happening, access the right support sooner and, increasingly, open the door to treatments and research opportunities.’ 

Dr Ross Dunne, dementia research lead at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, added that Manchester’s new clinic is ‘crucial to advancing our understanding and treatment of the diseases that cause dementia.’

‘Right now, the system is not set up for people when memory and thinking problems first appear,’ he said. ‘That is exactly when early diagnosis and treatment could have the greatest impact.

‘We want the UK to be the best place in the world to get an early and accurate diagnosis.’

Image: Ecliptic Graphic/UnSplash 

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