'This is the moment everything changed for Alzheimer's'

This was the stirring message from Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research at Alzheimer's Society, speaking on the latest FTAdviser podcast, on breakthroughs in treatments to manage cognitive decline. 

He said for those 60 per cent of dementia cases that are related to Alzheimer's there have been some significant developments, relating to research on a protein called the amyloid, which builds up in the brain for those who have Alzheimer's.

Working in this industry, financial readiness was important to me.Rose St Louis, Lloyds Banking Group

"In the past 12-18 months we have seen two treatments come through that can remove this from their brains. What we have seen is the difference this makes for people.

"When we remove this at the early stages, you can slow down the progression of the symptoms. Being able to be more financially dependent for longer, being able to drive for longer, do your hobbies for longer - you can see the quality of life improve."

Treatments are going through the regulatory steps and the hope is these will be signed off.

Dr Oakley added: "In the future, everything is going to get better. We've never had a time like this in dementia, ever. There are challenges but this is the first step in us being able to beat Alzheimer's disease. This is exciting."

Industry response

Fellow podcast guest Yvonne Braun, director, long-term savings, health and protection, at the Association of British Insurers, said: "For insurance and long-term savings, dementia is a very difficult issue.

"People might be buying the wrong cover, or not understanding the questions they are being asked about the policy. It's hugely problematic.

"Also, post the liberalisation of pensions in 2015, we have people with a bewildering array of retirement choices which may not be a problem at 65 but it sure as hell will not be fine if you are 85 and worrying about the stockmarket every day."

We've never had a time like this in dementia, ever. There are challenges but this is the first step in us being able to beat Alzheimer's disease. This is exciting.Dr Richard Oakley, Alzheimer's Society

Also joining the podcast was Rose St Louis, protection director at Loyds Banking Group and board member of Insurance United Against Dementia, who opened up about the lived experience of her family when her mother was given a devastating diagnosis of dementia. 

She said: "My mum was diagnosed with dementia just over two years ago.