Latest news with #SchoolofHealthandWellbeing
Glasgow Times
18-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow University study sheds light on Alzheimer's risk
The research, led by the University of Glasgow, published in the journal npj Dementia, found that while better memory, reasoning, and reaction times were linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease up to 15 years later, this protective effect was significantly reduced in people with a higher genetic risk. Researchers focused on the APOE e4 genotype, which is present in roughly one in four people and is the strongest known genetic predictor of late-onset Alzheimer's. Read more: Glasgow drugs trial to use genetics to 'personalise' treatments A single copy of the APOE e4 gene increases Alzheimer's risk threefold, while two copies raise the risk by twelvefold. Dr Donald Lyall, senior lecturer in population brain health at the University of Glasgow's School of Health and Wellbeing, said: "Our study adds to the knowledge gap that exists on the relationship between genetic factors, cognitive health generally, and subsequent risk of dementia in later life. "Our findings suggest that genetics plays a more significant role than previously thought and may influence the risk or protection conferred by other factors like premorbid cognitive health." In the study, people with above-average reasoning ability were found to have a 36% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's within 15 years. However, for those who also carried the APOE e4 gene, the risk reduction dropped to just 21%. More strikingly, individuals with high reasoning skills but who carried the APOE e4 genotype were more likely to develop Alzheimer's than those with below-average reasoning but no genetic risk factor. The researchers analysed data from over 252,000 UK Biobank participants aged 55 and older, with the average age at the start of the study being just over 62. To ensure long-term accuracy, individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's within two years of testing were excluded. Researchers excluded individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's within two years of cognitive testing. The study reinforces the challenges in identifying effective therapies for Alzheimer's, particularly given the influence of genetic factors. Read more: Public urged to shape health board's anti-racism strategy - how you can help Dr Lyall said: "Our study has important implications regarding dementia; namely that genetics clearly plays a significant role in influencing someone's overall risk of Alzheimer's disease as they age." The findings underscore the complex interplay between cognitive health and genetics and the challenges in developing therapies that can effectively prevent or treat Alzheimer's. While cognitive resilience still matters, the research highlights the urgent need to understand genetic risk factors in the fight against one of the world's most devastating neurodegenerative conditions.
Daily Record
14-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
NHS Lothian nurse becomes first nurse in Scotland to be awarded prestigious Fellowship
The Fellowship, hosted by the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow, has typically been awarded to doctors, but NHS Lothian nurse and clinical academic Kath Williamson was one of four recipients chosen in the 2024 round. An NHS Lothian nurse has become the first nurse in Scotland to have been awarded a prestigious three-year Chief Scientist Office Early Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. The Fellowship, hosted by the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow, has typically been awarded to doctors, but NHS Lothian nurse and clinical academic Kath Williamson was one of four recipients chosen in the 2024 round, starting her Fellowship in February 2025. Prof Juliet MacArthur, Chief Nurse Research and Development for NHS Lothian, said: 'On behalf of my colleagues across NHS Lothian, I want to express how proud we are of Kath's remarkable achievement. "Securing a Chief Scientist Office Early Postdoctoral Fellowship is a significant milestone in any clinical academic's career, but to be the first nurse in Scotland to do so is truly ground-breaking. 'Kath's success is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and the value of supporting nurses to pursue research careers. The University of Glasgow's School of Health & Wellbeing provides an excellent environment for her work, with its strong focus on tackling health inequalities and improving care for underserved populations. "We look forward to seeing the impact of her research and clinical innovation in bariatric care, and the inspiration it will provide to other nurses across Scotland.' Kath's Fellowship programme of work includes the HOPE (Housebound Obesity Pathways and Engagement) study, looking at how housebound people with obesity access weight management interventions. The wider aim being grant applications for a trial of weight management for housebound people with obesity, with outcomes including improved function, quality of life, mental health and reduced service utilisation. Alongside research, the Fellowship enables Kath to develop new clinical practices in a first of its kind role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for bariatric care in the community, one day per week. This unique role, hosted by Community Nursing in Midlothian HSCP, aims to support more effective cross-sector care, in a clinical area where the evidence base is poor but care needs are rising. Kath, has over 25 years of experience with NHS Lothian in a variety of different roles, including District Nurse, bank nurse, NRS Fellow and most recently, Manual Handling Advisor. Since 2016, Kath has been supported in developing her research career through the Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professional (NMAHP) Research Capacity Building Programme, led by Prof Juliet MacArthur and Andy Peters. She added: 'I hope that being the first nurse to be awarded a CSO Early Post-doctoral Fellowship will bring other opportunities to role model and promote the potential for nurses to be successful in pursuing clinical academic careers.'
