Alzheimer's Research UK

Our Vice President, Prof Sir John Hardy, shares his thoughts on the #lecanemab news and how the dementia research community must respond in the Financial Times. "If investment and collaboration continue, there is a future where this devastating disease is no longer a death sentence, but a condition that can be managed, and eventually, cured." https://lnkd.in/dBmGZMwT

Alzheimer's drug lecanemab has been approved for license in Britain but disapointingly won't be available on the NHS. It's a remarkable achievement that research has delivered a drug that can slow the effects of Alzheimer's disease, rather than just alleviating symptoms. But as a first-generation treatment, lecanemab has modest benefits and side-effects that need careful monitoring. It's clear that our health system is not ready to embrace the new wave of Alzheimer's drugs. We've written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting urging him to find a solution so that people with dementia in the UK don't continue to miss out on innovative treatments. Today's news is frustrating, but it is not the end of the road. There are currently over 125 experimental treatments in trials across the globe and it really is a matter of when, not if, new treatments become available. We will continue to put our full support behind research to get us there. More here: https://lnkd.in/ehGB96NG Share your reaction to the news 👇

Book your place at our next Alzheimer’s Research UK Research Conference! Early bird tickets are now available to attend the event from Tuesday 25 to Wednesday 26 February 2025 in person at the ICC in Birmingham or online. You’ll get the chance to: 👉 Join the discussions and learn more about the cutting-edge dementia research taking place in the UK and beyond. 👉 Network with peers, sector leaders, Alzheimer's Research UK staff, and industry representatives, building lasting collaborations. 👉 Discover new sources of funding, including new strategic initiatives and announcements from the Alzheimer's Research UK team. Be part of the conversation and learn more about developments in dementia research by securing your place today at https://lnkd.in/eM-HNe67 #ARUKConf25

"I remember promising to myself that I would do whatever I could to try and prevent others from having to watch their loved ones face the same ordeal, and felt that contributing to finding drugs to change the course of dementia was the best way I could help." James is one of our amazing dementia researchers. After studying pharmacology and witnessing his grandmother live with Alzheimer's, this experience inspired him to focus on Alzheimer's research, looking into finding ways to halt the progression of the disease. "I was around 13 when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She lived with my grandfather in Scotland so the time we spent together when they visited was cherished greatly. "When we were younger she used to stay at ours for the whole of summer. I remember she used to take my brother and I to the park at the end of our street growing up, where she would tell us stories of her life and childhood, and my brother and I would be captivated by them. "As the disease progressed, witnessing the person we knew and loved fade before our eyes was heartbreaking. The hardest moments came when she no longer recognised who we were. "I’m proud to work at the Alzheimer’s Research UK Drug Discovery Institute in Oxford where we aim to speed up this search for new dementia treatments." With researchers like James on our side we will find a cure. 🧡 University of Oxford

Sisters Lauren, Charys and Mariel laced up their shoes and stepped out of their comfort zone in 2024 when they took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon in honour of their dad Ray who is living with young onset Alzheimer’s disease. They raised over £10,000 to support our search for a cure. Swipe to read their story. 🧡 Mariel said: “It was tough on the day but an incredible experience! If you are thinking of doing a half marathon I’d definitely recommend this one as it took in so many famous sights along the route.” Join our team at the start line of the London Landmarks Half in 2025 and run for a cure 👉 https://lnkd.in/eGjsf5bS

“It’s the loss of dignity that comes with Alzheimer’s disease that is the most painful to see. The disease also turns the worlds of the sufferer, their carer and family and friends, completely upside down. The affects are devastating. We want a cure to come sooner rather than later”. Gordon, 59 is a Merchant Navy Welfare Board Ambassador and Sharon, 55 is the Deputy Chief Executive of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board. They both jumped 15,000ft (3 miles), out of a plane on 31st July. It was their fourth attempt due to bad weather, and an adrenalin fuelled day! They became ‘airborne sailors’ to raise money and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease as they had both lost loved ones to the disease and seen the disruption, lack of dignity and devastation it causes to lives. Gordon, not a fan of heights, wanted to set himself a challenge that took him completely out of his comfort zone. Together, he and Sharon took the terrifying leap, with one minute of freefall (the longest time you can choose to do): "It’s a very long minute when the wind is rushing past you and the ground is rushing towards you. “There’s a sense of relief when you touch the ground, but at the same time, it’s the feeling that you’ve done something for a very great cause that makes it all worthwhile”. So far, Sharon and Gordon have raised £5704 towards our search for a cure. 🧡 https://lnkd.in/eBNuPbTw

Not enough people realise it’s possible to reduce the risk of developing dementia. We’re here to help! Last week The Lancet report on dementia prevention, intervention, and care revealed that addressing 14 risk factors could prevent almost half of global dementia cases. So, we’ve put together a few simple steps for you to use that your brain will love. Looking after our brain health doesn't need to be complicated, and you're probably already doing some great stuff. 🧡 We also have a great tool on our website where you can get individual advice, by answering a few simple questions about your own brain health behaviours. Visit: https://lnkd.in/ebesr2mw #ThinkBrainHealth #TheLancet

Join us at next year’s Alzheimer’s Research UK Research Conference in Birmingham from 25-26 February 2025. It’s a great opportunity to: 👉 Discover the latest developments and groundbreaking research 👉 Network with other experts in your field 👉 Explore the full spectrum of dementia research and fundraising opportunities 👉 Grow your career and enhance your professional profile Register your interest now and be the first to secure an early bird discount. https://lnkd.in/e5HQhMWe Sheona Scales, our Director of Research explains more. 👇

"I know with the right support and investment, research can continue to deliver for generations to come. Who knows what tomorrow will bring." After a busy week at #AAIC24, our Chief Executive Hilary Evans-Newton has shared her highlights from the world’s largest dementia research conference. 🧠 Two new risk factors for dementia were identified by #TheLancet report 🔬 Advancements in drugs to slow the progression of the diseases like Alzheimer's 🩸 Progress in blood tests to diagnose dementia Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/eKBhNyd6 Alzheimer's Association®

"A huge opportunity to stop dementia before it starts." Research now points to 14 health and lifestyle factors that if addressed throughout our lives could prevent or delay up to 45% of dementia cases. We’ve put together the key information on what these findings mean, things we can all do to help protect our brain health, and the role that the government needs to play to help tackle the risk factors that are beyond our control. Read here 👇