Towards a simpler prevention of Alzheimer's

A study by Miia Kivipelto, a neurologist at the Gerontology Research Centre in Stockholm, showed that middle-aged people taking regular exercise at least twice a week could reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 50 per cent in old age.

"An active lifestyle, both physical, mental and social, is preventive," Kivipelto told an Amsterdam conference organised by the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists. "It’s never too early to start to prevent Alzheimer’s disease."

An estimated 12 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s, which is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. There is no cure for the condition which robs people of their memory and mental ability, although some drugs are available which can alleviate symptoms for some patients.

Studies have shown that people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity could be running a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Kivipelto added that people could reduce the risk of developing the disease by going to their doctor for regular monitoring of these health factors.

PARENTS in Glasgow are to be asked for their views on sexual health issues affecting children.

The survey is the first major initiative of the Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow joint Teenage Pregnancy Steering Group (TPSG).

Councillor Jim Coleman, the deputy leader of the Council and chairman of the TPSG said: "Research tells us that the more involved a parent is in this type of education, the better the child’s sexual health outcome. Children with parental support and guidance are more likely to delay the onset of first sexual activity or, at the very least, take precautions when they do become sexually active."

Glasgow’s teenage pregnancy statistics are among the worst in Europe.

In 2002 - the latest year for which figures are available - 635 city teenagers gave birth, 63 of whom were aged 16 or under. As many as ten per cent of girls in Scotland aged 16 to 19 are believed to be infected with the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia.

Parents can register their views online at www.parentsquestions.org.uk