Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Exeter researchers to hold free dementia information day

Scientists in Exeter are inviting the public to a free meeting on Wednesday 6 July to discuss current dementia research.

The event will include a series of talks from local experts, sharing the latest research developments from the laboratory and the clinic. The meeting is organised by members of the Alzheimer’s Research UK South West Network Centre, a community of scientists from the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter working to better understand the condition.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, funding research into the causes of dementia and better ways to diagnose, prevent and treat the condition. The charity funds more than £33m of dementia research across the UK, including pioneering research underway in the South West. This funding is allowing scientists in the region to reveal more about the diseases that cause dementia and contribute to the global effort to put a stop to the heartbreak the condition brings.

The day will feature talks from dementia experts who are using a range of research techniques to study different aspects of the condition. Dr Jon Brown, from the University of Exeter will discuss the innovative methods scientists are using to study dementia in the lab; Professor Robert Fern from the University of Plymouth will talk about how samples from people with dementia are driving key research developments; and Nicola Walker, a senior research practitioner at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, will speak about the potential treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s that are currently being trialled in people in the South West.

Dr Katie Lunnon, the Coordinator of the Alzheimer’s Research UK South West Network Centre, will be speaking about the part played by our genes in the development of dementia. She said: "I hope that people come along to hear about the huge strides dementia scientists around the world are making and the cutting-edge dementia research going on here in the South West. We are desperate to put an end to this devastating condition and we are passionate about sharing our knowledge about causes, risk factors and new treatments. Please join us and ask as many questions as you have and find out how you can get involved in dementia research studies."

Robin Brisbourne from Alzheimer’s Research UK, who will also speak at the meeting, said: "There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK including over 84,000 in the South West alone. Many more people act as informal carers working tirelessly to support loved ones with the condition. It is essential that we reduce the stigma associated with this condition through greater awareness. Events like this in Exeter are a great opportunity for the public to learn more about the effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and to hear about the progress being made towards finding effective treatments and improved diagnosis."

The event is being held from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday 6th July at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies (IAIS) Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4ND. Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided and limited parking is available on the university campus. For more information and to book your free place, please book online at www.arukswnetwork.eventbrite.co.uk or contact Ellie Pickering on 01392 408280 or E.Pickering@exeter.ac.uk

Date: 5 July 2016