Dementia Researchers Talk to the Public in Bournemouth

A team of researchers from Bournemouth, Southampton and Brighton are attending a public meeting this week to tell people more about research into dementia. The free event will feature talks on dementia-friendly care environments, followed by a networking session with information stands and the opportunity to speak to dementia researchers. The event is the third meeting of its kind to be hosted by the Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI), and this year has support from the Alzheimer’s Research UK South Coast Network.

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 pioneering dementia research across the UK, including more than a million pounds of research at the University of Southampton. BUDI are committed to working with others to help create an inclusive and supportive society for people affected by dementia.

Researchers from the Alzheimer’s Research UK South Coast Network and BUDI will attend the Bournemouth meeting to tell the public about their research into the causes of Alzheimer’s and other diseases. The public are invited to come along, learn more and put their questions to the experts. Alzheimer’s Research UK will also have a stand with booklets and information about dementia.

Dr Delphine Boche, a researcher at the University of Southampton, said:

“We are really pleased to be attending this free event in Bournemouth and hope that as many people as possible come along and learn about the research we are doing into dementia. There will be doctors and scientists there to talk about current research into diagnosis and new treatments. We will also be explaining what we know about what happens in the brain in diseases like Alzheimer’s, how infections could contribute to the disease, and how fruit flies can help us discover more.

“The event is part of a larger discussion about dementia-friendly environments, with talks from architects and care home staff about how to use design to improve the wellbeing of people with dementia. It should be a really interesting afternoon, with something for everyone.”

Director of the Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI) Anthea Innes, said:

“Following the success of our last two annual public open meetings, with the first on diagnosis and the second on care homes, BUDI is hosting our third annual public open meeting to provide anyone who is interested in dementia-friendly environments the chance to come along, hear some interesting presenters and to share their ideas and experiences.”

Dr Laura Phipps of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“This public meeting is a fantastic opportunity for people to learn more about dementia care, as well as hear about the groundbreaking research taking place into dementia in their region. With a rapidly ageing population, more and more people in the UK will be affected by dementia. Hundreds of thousands are already living with dementia, placing enormous strain on families as well as an economic impact to the UK of over £23bn. We would encourage anyone wanting to know more to come along, listen to what is being done to tackle the condition and have their questions answered in an informal and friendly environment.”

The free event will take place from 12.00- 16.00pm on Wednesday 14 May at the Executive Business Centre (3rd Floor) at Bournemouth University. Lunch is provided and places are free but must be booked in advance by visiting  http://bit.ly/1hDOJuF or calling the Bournemouth University Dementia Institute on 01202 962771.