I was recently called in by my GP for blood tests, a fairly regular occurrence for those of us living with dementia. The results showed that I am still anaemic.
While this is not thought to be a cause of strokes, it is something that needs attention. I have a consultation early next month, and I am fortunate to have a proactive and very supportive GP. I will also mention that I’ve experienced more falls and dizzy spells of late.
I have vascular dementia, typically caused by high blood pressure and general wear and tear on the body. I still recall the moment of diagnosis.
The consultant said: “The news is you don’t have Alzheimer’s…” before adding that vascular dementia can, in many cases, be more debilitating and more likely to prove fatal.
So it was with some sadness that I read this week that influential analysis has concluded that so-called “breakthrough” Alzheimer’s drugs are unlikely to benefit patients significantly. Researchers suggested the impact was “well below” what is needed to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
However, the report has sparked a fierce backlash from other highly respected scientists, who argue that the conclusions are fundamentally flawed.
The good news is that research into Alzheimer’s and dementia more broadly continues. It is vital that we keep supporting charities in this sector, including Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Research. Every contribution matters.
Staying on health for a moment, thoughts with my GB News and former ITV colleague Eamonn Holmes, who is currently recovering from a stroke in hospital. Wishing you well, Eamonn.
I recently had a delightful and fascinating lunch with two old friends, Bob Sperring and Khalid Aziz, the former a property man, the latter a communications consultant. Both have been among our most loyal and consistent supporters since my diagnosis.
We noted how quiet the run-up to next month's local elections has been. There has now been a leaflet drop from the Liberal Democrats, as well as a doorstep visit from the Conservatives.
Posters and signs are plentiful, so we shall see what happens. Khalid had also received a leaflet from Reform; Bob, interestingly, had heard nothing from anyone.
Both expressed frustration at the inadequacy of local government services. Despite paying business rates, Khalid was particularly angry that he received no refuse collection for his business premises.
Instead, he must pay an additional £500 a month to have his bins emptied, an arrangement that seems quite outrageous.
We also discussed the costly and, in many ways, illogical reorganisation of local government in Hampshire. The plan appears to bolt together very different areas, the New Forest with Southampton and Eastleigh, and rural East Hampshire with Basingstoke and Aldershot.
None of it seems especially sensible, none of it is widely welcomed, and all of it comes at considerable expense.
Alastair Stewart reveals how dementia can be a costly and complicated nightmare in this week's Living With Dementia
| GB NEWSOur conversation turned, inevitably, to the poor calibre of many modern politicians and civil servants. It does feel like a bleak era, with failure occupying as much of the news agenda as conflict.
The OECD has grown increasingly concerned about the UK’s economic prospects, attributing some of the pressure to the ongoing Iran conflict, discussed at the recent IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, events I always relished covering during my time as ITN’s Washington Correspondent.
There was also a troubling report that the BBC had uncovered a network allegedly helping asylum seekers falsely claim they were gay.
If any non-British lawyers are found to be involved in such activity, serious questions must be asked.
On a more strategic note, George Robertson, former Defence Secretary under Tony Blair and former NATO Secretary General, delivered a powerful speech warning that Britain is under attack and under-defended.
He argued that the government appears to have a welfare strategy, but no coherent defence strategy.
I recently had a wonderful dinner with him and my friend Alastair Bruce at the London headquarters of the London Scottish Regiment.
Both men hold senior ranks in the regiment, and George remains in close contact with serving personnel and reservists.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer once again spoke strongly on defence and spending, but words are not enough.
There is a growing sense that the Government is not matching rhetoric with action. It is deeply dispiriting. We shall soon see what message voters choose to send, and to whom, on the 7th of May across the United Kingdom.