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“My advice for anyone worried about their memory is simple: don’t delay. Seek an early diagnosis because clarity, support and access to treatment can make all the difference.”
– James Wood KC, Re:Cognition Health patient
For more than five decades, James Wood KC built his career on precision, judgement and an exceptional memory. As a barrister and part-time Crown Court judge, recalling complex legal arguments, names and evidence was simply part of everyday life.
So, when he began forgetting names during a murder trial, he knew something wasn’t right.
“I remember struggling to recall counsel’s names during my closing speech,” James recalls. “I laughed it off at the time, but deep down I knew something had changed.”
Recognising the Early Signs
Concerned by these subtle but persistent memory lapses, James sought medical advice. His first assessment suggested sleep apnoea, a condition known to affect concentration and memory. Treatment brought significant improvement and, for a time, life returned to normal.
However, James couldn’t shake the feeling that something more was happening.
Several years later came what he describes as his “flat white moment”. Sitting in a café with his wife, he couldn’t remember what a flat white was, even though he had ordered one himself earlier that day.
“It was such an ordinary moment, but it immediately told me this wasn’t simply forgetfulness.”
Recognising that his symptoms were progressing, James sought further specialist assessment.
Receiving an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
After a number of psychological assessments and an MRI scan on the NHS, James was told in a report by a Registrar that his “impairment is likely due to early signs of late-onset Alzheimer’s Dementia”. He was told nothing could be done and was sent on his way with some books on Alzheimer’s, and a promise of referral to a psychology department in a dementia clinic. Receiving the diagnosis was devastating for James, as it is for anybody.
Like many people, James feared what it meant for his future, his independence and his career. More concerning still was the belief that there was little that could be done beyond managing symptoms.
“It felt as though my future had suddenly become very uncertain.”
Determined to explore every available option, James returned to Re:Cognition Health, where a specialist multidisciplinary team carried out further investigations, including advanced PET imaging to confirm the presence of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. “The team was brilliant,” says James.
Rather than simply receiving a diagnosis, James was able to discuss emerging treatment options and develop a personalised care plan focused on slowing disease progression. James says that after finding the treatment pathway with Re:Cognition Health, he felt a sense of relief and the return of the possibility of hope for the future.
Accessing New-Generation Treatment
Following detailed assessment, James began treatment with Kisunla® (donanemab) at Re:Cognition Health, an anti-amyloid infusion therapy designed for carefully selected people with early Alzheimer’s disease.
Re:Cognition Health has been at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research for more than a decade, playing a pivotal role in the international clinical trials that led to the approval of both donanemab (Kisunla) and lecanemab (Leqembi®). Having helped generate the evidence behind these disease-modifying therapies, the clinic is now one of Europe’s leading centres for delivering licensed Alzheimer’s treatments, offering patients access to specialist assessment, infusion services and ongoing clinical monitoring under one roof.
Unlike traditional medications that help manage symptoms, Kisunla targets the underlying amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease, helping to slow cognitive decline in carefully selected patients. Throughout treatment, James receives monthly infusions alongside regular MRI scans and specialist reviews to ensure his care remains both safe and closely monitored.
James now attends Re:Cognition Health each month for his infusion therapy alongside regular MRI monitoring and clinical reviews to ensure treatment remains both safe and effective.
“The team explained every stage of the process. Everything was carefully planned, and I always knew what to expect. That gave me enormous confidence.”
Continuing Life on His Own Terms
Today, James continues to sit as a part-time judge while carefully adapting his workload.
Following an independent professional assessment confirming he remained fit to continue working, he chose to step back from the most complex and demanding legal cases while remaining active in the profession he loves.
“I enjoy my work and I’m not ready to stop. Treatment has allowed me to continue doing something that remains incredibly important to me.”
While James recognises Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, he remains focused on living well today while taking a proactive approach to his future.
“I’ve always been an optimistic person. For me, treatment is about staying engaged with life, continuing to contribute and doing everything I can.”
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
James hopes that sharing his story will encourage others not to dismiss early changes in memory as simply part of getting older.
Many people delay seeking help because they fear a diagnosis or assume nothing can be done. However, advances in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment mean that identifying the condition early has never been more important.
For patients who meet the clinical criteria, earlier diagnosis may provide access to disease-modifying treatments, clinical trials and personalised care plans designed to help preserve cognitive function for longer.
“My advice is simple – don’t ignore the signs. Seek help early. An early diagnosis gives you more choices, more support and, potentially, access to treatments that simply weren’t available a few years ago.”
Looking Ahead
James knows there are no guarantees, but he remains hopeful.
By combining specialist assessment, ongoing monitoring and access to innovative therapies, he believes he is giving himself the best possible opportunity to remain active and independent for as long as possible.
His journey reflects a new era in Alzheimer’s care – one where early diagnosis is no longer simply about understanding the disease, but about accessing meaningful treatment and planning positively for the future.
Concerned about your memory?
If you or a loved one have noticed persistent changes in memory, thinking or language, seeking specialist assessment early can make a significant difference. Re:Cognition Health offers comprehensive memory assessments alongside access to the latest diagnostic techniques, clinical trials and disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatments for eligible patients.
To find out more or book an assessment, contact Re:Cognition Health today.
020 3355 3536
To read the full article as told in the Telegraph visit: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/conditions/dementia/new-alzheimers-high-court-judge-work/
