The study, being led by Professor Clive Holmes at the University of
Southampton, will monitor 140 people aged over 50 with mild cognitive
impairment during an 18-month period.
The participants will be assessed for levels of stress and any
progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
About 60% of people with mild cognitive impairment are known to go on to
develop Alzheimer's.
Prof Holmes said: "All of us go through stressful events. We are
looking to understand how these may become a risk factor for the development of
Alzheimer's.
"Something such as bereavement or a traumatic experience - possibly
even moving home - is also a potential factor.
"This is the first stage in developing ways in which to intervene
with psychological or drug-based treatments to fight the disease.
"We are looking at two aspects of stress relief - physical and
psychological - and the body's response to that experience."
The study is part of a £1.5 million package of six grants being given by
the charity to find the cause of the disease, a cure and a way to prevent it.
Alzheimer's Society research manager Anne Corbett said: "We feel
this is a really important area of research that needs more attention. The
results could offer clues to new treatments or better ways of managing the
condition."
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I always say that we may have this illness, but we are all so different.
This is my own daily problems, but I would gladly share anyone elses, if they send them in,