Residents wanted to trial new Altzheimer's vaccine (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Residents wanted to trial new Altzheimer's vaccine

1:20pm Friday 27th January 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

HALTON has been chosen to take part in a pioneering international trial to slow down the traumatic effect of Alzheimer’s Disease.

At present, there is no cure but experts are confident a new vaccine could improve the quality of life of sufferers diagnosed in the early stages.

They are appealing to local residents who may be showing symptoms, such as memory loss, to take part in a clinical trial.

Dr Ashley Baldwin, senior consultant leading the research for 5 Boroughs Foundation NHS Foundation Trust, said:”This vaccine will not reverse the disease but we hope it will slow it down.

“It is a real opportunity to do something about this condition. The suffering is unbelievable.

“At present there is no treatment in any way, shape or form.

“We are not going to make anyone better but we hope at the end of this trial to stop people getting worse.”

Researchers are looking for people aged between 50 and 85 who have noticed a gradual decline in memory over the last 12 months in themselves or their relatives.

The study will last for two years and five months and will involve at least one monthly visit to a clinic for extensive tests.

More than 2,000 people across Halton are thought to have the disease.

One third are diagnosed, the remainder are unknown.

Dr Baldwin said: “The important thing is it will enable us to do all the tests to give an early diagnosis.

“Some sufferers are aged under 65 and may have young children depending on them.

“This could help them plan for the future.”

Some 360 people in 15 countries will be taking part in the study.

If you wish to apply, call 0808 189 1497 or visit www.scarletroadstudy.com for further details.