YESTERDAY a new study suggested high doses of B vitamins may halve brain shrinkage in older people experiencing some of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Here an East Lancs man tells of his battle with the condition ahead of a major event this weekend.

ALAN started to notice changes in his ability to carry out simple, work tasks two years ago.

Now 62, Alan and his colleagues knew something wasn't right, and so did his wife, Sylvia.

In November 2009, the factory worker was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia.

Around 750,000 people in the UK have dementia, of which 62 per cent have Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia is a disease of the brain and symptoms include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.

It is progressive and eventually terminal. It can happen to anyone and there is no cure.

However, with support people with dementia can live a good life.

Evidence shows that heart health is linked to brain health, and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risks of developing the condition.

That is why the East Lancashire couple are supporting tomorrow’s Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk, around Towneley Park, Burnley.

Alan, who did not want his identity to be fully revealed, said: “I’m looking forward to the memory walk. You need to keep fit and healthy.

"I’ve never felt as fit as I do now. I go walking every day, do some running, as well as volunteering at a weekly gardening club. I don’t smoke and drink very little alcohol.”

Nicola Wright, a health worker from St Peter's Health Centre, Burnley, will be in the park from 11am.

She will offer advice on healthy lifestyles and give blood pressure checks.

The health appeal comes in the wake of a University of Oxford study which revealed yesterday that daily tablets of B vitamins, found in food like bananas, meat, beans and whole grains, can halve the rate of brain atrophy in older people with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

An Alzheimer’s Society spokesman said: “This is an interesting study which could change the lives of thousands at risk of dementia.

“However, previous studies looking at B vitamins have been very disappointing and we wouldn't want to raise expectations yet, as we have not specifically seen any benefits in preventing the onset of dementia.”

Alan and Sylvia, 60, who is also his carer, both gave up work, but Alan keeps busy, attending support groups.

He said: “Not everyone has the support that I have. My family is my lifeline and I wouldn’t have survived if I didn’t have them.”

l The walk starts at noon. Go to www.memorywalk.org.uk