Alzheimers Research UK logo
News

Public Invited To Free Dementia Information Event In Plymouth

Scientists across the region are inviting the public to an open day on Thursday 8 June to hear more about current progress in dementia research.

The free event features short talks from doctors and researchers, as well as an opportunity to pick up information about the condition. The day is organised by members of the Alzheimer’s Research UK South West Network Centre, a community of dementia researchers from the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, funding research into the causes of dementia, diagnosis, preventions and treatments. The charity is funding more than £27m of pioneering research across the UK, including over £400,000 at the University of Exeter and Plymouth University. Researchers in the region are working tireless to understand more about the diseases that cause dementia to shape the search for new treatments.

Dementia affects over 850,000 people in the UK, including 84,000 in the South West. The condition, most commonly caused by Alzheimer’s disease, affects people’s ability to remember, think, plan and communicate. The diseases that cause dementia get slowly worse until someone is unable to walk, talk, dress or go to the toilet without help. Sadly while there are treatments that can help with the symptoms, there is currently no way to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia.

This event aims to provide an opportunity for people in the area to learn more about dementia and the research underway to tackle the condition. Those speaking at the event include Dr Stephen Pearson, a Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry, who will discuss ongoing research into dementia as well as Dr Matt Roser, who will talk about efforts to speed up dementia research using state-of-the-art brain imaging. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the role of genetics in Alzheimer’s, as well as hearing about other forms of dementia including dementia with Lewy bodies. There will be a question and answer session and plenty of time for discussion.

Dr Oleg Anichtchik from Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry is helping to organise the event. He said:

“Dementia is now the UK’s most feared health condition, drawing level with cancer for the first time. In an increasingly ageing population, it’s important that people have the opportunity to understand more about the condition and the progress being made in research. This event is a fantastic opportunity for people to hear about the vital research taking place to understand and ultimately beat the diseases that cause dementia. We hope that people will come along to find out more, pick up information and ask questions.”

Dr Katy Stubbs from Alzheimer’s Research UK will be speaking at the event, and she said:

“Dementia touches the lives of thousands of people, with many people acting as informal carers and working tirelessly to support a loved one with the condition. We know people have many questions about dementia and this event provides a great way to find answers, as well as meeting people in a similar situation. Research is providing hope for the future, but it’s not just about scientists in labs. People with dementia and their carers also play a critical role in shaping research and this open day is a fantastic opportunity for discussion and debate.”

The free event is being held from 10.30am – 5.00pm in The Bayliss Suite, Plymouth Science Park, PL6 8BX. Free parking and refreshments are available at the venue to all registered visitors. To register please call 01752 437308 or email arukswnetwork@gmail.com

 

Advanced

 

 

carebeans
 

 

 

 
CHSA
 

 

 

 
Wippet24
 

 

 

 
AccessGroup
 

 

 

CareShowLondon
 

 

 

Intracare