Daily digest June 25 2015

Memory tests spot early signs of Alzheimer's

Memory tests could spot Alzheimer's disease decades before it develops, according to research.

The findings mean that a long period for treatment could be considered, during which dementia could be halted, or slowed.

More than 2,000 people with an average age of 73 were given memory and thinking tests every three years over an 18-year period.

Roughly 20 per cent developed Alzheimer's disease during the study and those who scored lower had an increased risk of doing so.

Read more on the Daily Express website

Blood made in the lab will be given to humans in two years

British authorities say 'man-made' blood will be transfused into humans within two years, amid a growing shortage of donors.

Dr Nick Watkins, NHS Blood and Transplant assistant director of research and development, said the intention is not to replace human donation, but to offer specialist treatment for specific patient groups.

"Scientists across the globe have been investigating for a number of years how to manufacture red blood cells to offer an alternative to donated blood to treat patients," he said.

"We are confident that by 2017 our team will be ready to carry out the first early phase clinical trials in human volunteers."

Read more on the Daily Telegraph website

BME people shortchanged by mental health services

People from some black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds are more likely to use crisis mental health care.

Racism, poor mental health services and stigma are often cited as the reasons for this inequality.

However, once in crisis care, many people find the care they are offered does not work for them.

Ramone's was one of dozens of stories collected at the Race Foundation to show the experiences of BME people, and was used as evidence by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in their review of mental health crisis care.

Read more on the Guardian website