Where is alzheimers research being done

In addition to the research procedures described above there are other optional sub-studies which includes the following:. Millions will be condemned to a demeaning and frightening end to their lives if treatments are not discovered. Urgent action is essential. As a result of past research we are now aware of a number of mechanisms implicated in the body developing abnormal levels of beta amyloid in the blood and its deposition on the brain.

Our knowledge of beta amyloid is increasing all the time. We now know that beta amyloid is a commonly occurring protein which has a beneficial role in normal bodily functioning. There are different forms of beta amyloid, some being beneficial, others destructive.

We know that in some people there is an increased production of the destructive forms. We also know that deposition of beta amyloid is widespread among the population, even for those who do not develop the condition. These discoveries inspired the launch of our Stem Cell Research Centre , which will now build on this progress to screen potential new dementia drugs. In , we supported a clinical trial that highlighted the dangers of long-term antipsychotic use in people with dementia.

This finding kick-started a national campaign to reduce their use and ensure they are prescribed appropriately. Their landmark research paper in Lancet showed that the protein was cleared from the brain despite showing no benefit to patients, provoking major discussions in the field and helping to refine current approaches to drug development. Their findings have been used to urge the need for current clinical trials to be tested in people at a very early stage of the disease. You can read more about this on our blog.

In , we launched our Global Clinical Trials Fund to support early-stage clinical trials to test new dementia treatments in people — a vital step towards putting new treatments into the hands of those who need them. As part of his Clinical Research Fellowship, Dr George Pengas helped to design a new memory test to aid diagnosis of dementia. Many clinicians are now comparing the TYM test to current memory and thinking tests, to investigate its potential for use in the clinic.

Our support has helped researchers at University College London and the University of Manchester better characterise the changes that affect someone with frontotemporal dementia FTD. Their research has led to the characterisation of language-specific forms of the disease and helped to develop more sensitive diagnostic tests to assess symptoms such as lack of empathy.

By uncovering how key changes in the brain in this disease correlate with clinical symptoms, people with FTD can now understand more about their condition and be given the chance to get involved in research at an earlier stage. Their work is helping to develop more sensitive ways to detect the disease as well as developing visual aids to help people live with their symptoms. You must be logged in to post a comment. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly.

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