Aberdeen Scientists Join Forces To Share Dementia Research With The Public

Scientists from the Aberdeen area will come together on 4 June to hold a free public meeting to discuss current dementia research. The meeting will involve a panel discussion with clinicians and researchers, allowing members of the public to ask questions about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. There will also be the chance to learn about clinical trials for Alzheimer’s treatments, demonstrating how research can lead to new treatments. The meeting is organised by members of the Alzheimer’s Research UK Aberdeen Network, a community of scientists working in the Aberdeen area to research the condition.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, funding research into the causes of dementia, diagnosis, preventions and treatments. They currently fund more than £22m of dementia research across the UK, including nearly £2m of pioneering science in Scotland. This funding means that scientists can investigate not just the causes of diseases like Alzheimer’s, but develop ways to diagnose them earlier.

The panel will include dementia experts from a variety of backgrounds, including Dr Alasdair Lawrie, a consultant psychiatrist and Dr Peter Kiehlmann, a local GP. Prof Alison Murray, an expert in dementia diagnosis and Prof Bettina Platt, a neuroscientist, both from the University of Aberdeen’s Institute of Medical Sciences, will also be on hand to tackle questions about the brain changes that occur during Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Additionally, Helen Lemmon, an Alzheimer’s drugs trial co-ordinator will be available to give an insight into how potential treatments are tested.

Prof Bettina Platt, a dementia researcher at the University of Aberdeen, who will sit on the panel at the meeting, said:

“I hope that people in Aberdeen can come along to hear about the exciting research going on in their city. Our lab is funded with the help of generous public donations, and we are looking forward to the chance to share with the public what progress we have been making. Please join us and ask as many questions as you have!”

Dr Laura Phipps, Science Communications Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“Over 55,000 people in Scotland are living with dementia, including nearly 2500 in Aberdeen. Events like this in Aberdeen are a fantastic opportunity for the public to get a better understanding of the effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and to learn about the progress being made towards finding a cure.”

The free event will take place from 18.00-20.00pm on Wednesday 4 June at the Suttie Centre in Foresterhill, near the Aberdeen Infirmary. Those interested do not have to reserve a place, but if you would like to put a question to the panel in advance, please email the event co-ordinator, Helen Lemmon (helen.lemmon@nhs.net).