Tag: Alzheimer’s Research UK

Scottish scientists to cover 500 mile distance between labs for dementia research

A team of over 20 dementia researchers will run the distance between dementia research labs across Scotland to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.  

Dr Josie Fullerton at Glasgow University, Dr Fiona Mclean from Dundee University and Dr Mike Daniels at the UK Dementia Research in Edinburgh will lead the event in efforts to raise thousands for dementia research in the country.

The challenge comes during Dementia Action Week (17 – 23 May), a week dedicated to raising awareness of dementia and encouraging people to join efforts to bring about a future free from the fear, harm, and heartbreak of the condition.

Dementia is the UK’s leading cause of death and affects over 90,000 people in Scotland. 

There are currently no treatments that can stop the diseases that cause dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s. Research is the only way to change this for the growing number of people living with the condition.

The team is challenging fellow scientists in the Alzheimer’s Research UK Scotland Network Centre to cumulatively run, walk, or cycle the distance between the Universities leading dementia research efforts in Scotland. 

The Alzheimer’s Research UK Scotland Network is one of 15 Network Centres across the UK which aim to unite the brightest minds in dementia research. The Scotland Network, which has over 200 members from five leading institutions in the country, works to fund new ideas, power collaboration and build capacity in dementia research.

The virtual route is 813 km, just over 500 miles and will start at the University of Dundee. The route takes the team up the coast to Aberdeen, across to the University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness, before taking the scenic route down to Glasgow.

Stopping by at Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow via the University of Stirling, before heading across the central belt to Edinburgh to take in Napier, Heriot Watt, The University of Edinburgh and Queen Margaret University.

It will then go into Fife to St Andrews University, before the final stretch back to the University of Dundee to complete the challenge.

The team aim to raise thousands for dementia research. To sponsor them visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runthenetwork


Dementia researcher, and organiser of the event Dr Mike Daniels, (above) said: “Alzheimer’s Research UK has supported scientists like me and dementia research in Scotland for many years.

“We know that this funding comes from dedicated members of the public who have decided to take action to tackle dementia by supporting our work. We wanted to set ourselves an ambitious fundraising challenge to give something back to them during these difficult times.

“Dementia researchers from all over Scotland have come together and we’re really looking forward to seeing how everyone gets on with their challenge and hearing their stories. I think it’s going to be tough but it’s totally doable and will raise money for such an important cause!

“Setting up this challenge is a fantastic way to help Alzheimer’s Research UK fund more research in Scotland and make breakthroughs possible. Please support us in our efforts to raise money for an incredible charity!”

The team will be tracking people’s progress and at the end of every day during the week the researchers will tally up the total distance covered by the team and calculate how far the group have travelled.

Stacy Rowan, Scotland Fundraising Officer for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We’re so grateful to these researchers and their incredible efforts supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK. 

“Scotland is a hotbed for dementia research and our scientists have continued to make pivotal strides in research throughout the pandemic, in spite of the restrictions they have faced. Alzheimer’s Research UK has funded over £8 million of research in Scotland, all of it targeted towards transforming lives and bringing an end to the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.

“Dementia Action Week is not just about raising awareness but about taking action, and I would urge anyone who wants to get involved in fundraising for dementia research to contact me at stacy.rowan@alzheimersresearchuk.org

“If anyone as a question about dementia, or the research going on in Scotland to help make breakthroughs possible contact our Dementia Research Infoline. Our team have already handled over 25,000 enquiries and are here to help you.

“Ring us on 0300 111 5111 or email us at infoline@alzheimersresearchuk.org.”

One in 10 Scots say brain health has deteriorated in pandemic

  • Poll shows two-thirds have thought about improving health, as new Alzheimer’s Research UK campaign encourages public to Think Brain Health
  • Broadcaster Suzi Perry voices campaign film outlining three rules for brain health

More than one in 10 adults in Scotland (15%) believe their brain health has declined since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, new polling by Alzheimer’s Research UK has revealed, with two-thirds (65%) saying the pandemic has prompted them to think about making changes to improve their health.

The news comes as Alzheimer’s Research UK launches Think Brain Health, a bold new awareness campaign to empower people to keep their brains healthy throughout life and ultimately, help reduce their risk of dementia.

The digital campaign is backed by the latest research and focuses on three rules for brain health – looking after heart health, staying sharp and keeping connected.

Think Brain Health is backed by broadcast journalist Suzi Perry, who lost her grandmother Mary to Alzheimer’s disease – the most common cause of dementia. Suzi, known for her work on BT Sport’s Motorsport coverage and F1 coverage for the BBC, has voiced an animation introducing the campaign.

The campaign was developed with the support of Warburtons and parkrun, and is further backed at launch by Alzheimer’s Research UK partner Garmin.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has also worked with the Royal Society for Public Health to launch a joint policy report on brain health, recommending the development of a national brain health strategy to enable everyone to take positive steps to look after their brains throughout life.

The report calls on government and public health bodies to take this opportunity to embed brain health messaging for all age groups, implement cost-effective interventions that promote brain health and fund more research into dementia prevention.

As well as being influenced by our age and genetics, the 2020 Lancet Commission on dementia suggests that up to 40% of dementia cases could be linked to 12 risk factors that we may be able to influence, including high blood pressure, physical inactivity, smoking, low social contact and depression.

With polling showing that people’s awareness of dementia has increased due to the pandemic (11% of Scotland respondents reporting an increased awareness) and a third of people in Scotland (33%) saying dementia is their most feared health condition, the charity believes now is the opportune time to support people to take positive action, particularly with new lockdown measures in place.

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign aims to increase awareness of three rules for improving brain health:

  • Looking after heart health, by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and keeping blood pressure, weight and cholesterol in check.
  • Staying sharp, by taking part in activities that keep the brain active.
  • And keeping connected, by staying socially active and connecting with other people.

Visitors to thinkbrainhealth.org.uk can test their brain health knowledge with a quiz, as well as learning more through expert blogs and articles. The campaign is primarily aimed at people in midlife, who could stand to gain the most from adopting healthy habits that could reduce their risk of dementia.

Having witnessed the decline of her mother with suspected dementia, Mary Sparling is determined to do what she can to maintain her brain health.

The 59-year-old, from Dunfermline, whose mum, Helen, died in November 2019, keeps herself fit playing tennis, doing yoga and walking her black Labrador, Sam. The retired teacher also keeps her brain active by learning Spanish.

Mary said: “Into her 90s my mum was still so sharp. But around April 2019 I realised she was starting to need a lot more support and from there her decline was quite fast.

“It got to the point where she needed 24-hour support, so I decided to retire from work a little earlier than I’d planned to care for her. We were in the process of getting her a formal dementia diagnosis when she died of a presumed heart attack.

“Although in the end it wasn’t a long-drawn out affair, it was still an incredibly difficult and exhausting time. She would have bouts of confusion and delirium that were very distressing and there were times when she didn’t know who I was.

“Having seen what my mum went through it makes me more aware of my own vulnerability. The activities I do provide me with so many benefits, but it also gives me that extra motivation to keep them up by knowing I’m also helping to maintain my brain health.”

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll in many ways, and it’s deeply worrying that one in 10 of us fear it’s had a negative effect on our brain health.

“But positively, our polling shows that the pandemic has also made people more aware of their health, so we want to take this opportunity to set out some simple steps to help people think about their brain.

“While national lockdown is making many aspects of our lives more difficult, there are still things you can do every day to look after your brain and the Think Brain Health campaign shows you how.

“Our brains control everything we do, from storing precious memories to helping us read and write – they define who we are. Sadly, every year, more and more families experience the devastation caused when physical diseases like Alzheimer’s take hold of the brain.

“The good news is that while there’s no sure-fire way to prevent dementia, research suggests that 40% of cases could be down to factors that we may be able to influence. We must do all we can to capitalise on this powerful opportunity and ultimately, reduce the number of people who will go on to develop dementia in future.

“There is a clear appetite among the public to improve their health and looking after the brain must become a core part of our approach to good overall health. The time is right for a national brain health strategy to enable everyone to keep their brains healthy – and Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign is an important first step.”

To find out more, visit thinkbrainhealth.org.uk

Long-distance walker Karen made Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK

Karen Penny, who is currently in the middle of a 20,000 mile walk around the coast of the UK and Ireland has been made a Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK in recognition of her incredible fundraising and tireless dedication raising awareness of dementia.

This accolade recognises the 54-year-old’s exceptional commitment, in an undertaking that will see her walk continuously around the coast for an estimated three years, a feat never before undertaken by a woman.

Since setting off from her home in The Gower, South Wales, on 14 January, Karen has already walked the entire coast of the island of Ireland and the whole of the Welsh coastal path, and is now in Scotland, where she plans to walk around “at least” 20 islands, as well as the mainland coast. She has already raised more than £40,000 for the charity.

She was inspired to support the UK’s leading dementia research charity, after both of her in-laws were affected by different forms of dementia. As well as raising money, Karen is getting impressive media coverage and raising awareness of dementia wherever she goes.

Karen said: “I am delighted to have been named as an Alzheimer’s Research UK Champion in recognition of my support for the charity.

“Dementia has had a profound impact upon my family. During the last 10 years we have lost two very dear family members to vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, so I am passionate about the need for life-changing research.

“Everywhere I go on my walk around the UK and Ireland, I speak with people whose own families have been affected by these diseases. Their stories, and the determination to raise funds for research, are keeping me going on my journey.”

Karen joins a prestigious group of around 50 people who have been made Champions in recent years in recognition of their efforts in both fundraising and raising awareness on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Karen has taken on an impressive challenge, both in terms of the distance that she is covering and the staggering amount of money that she is raising. She is also raising awareness about dementia, the importance of research and of the work we do at Alzheimer’s Research UK wherever she goes.

“We appreciate all she is doing for us and therefore we would like to thank her by inviting her to become one of our Champions.

“There are 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia. Research has the power to make breakthroughs possible and Alzheimer’s Research UK is at the forefront of these efforts. We rely on public donations to fund our crucial research and it’s thanks to the commitment of people like Karen that we are able to increase the profile of dementia research and continue our vital work.”

To sponsor Karen, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thepennyrollson

For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

Jennifer to host ladies’ day event in memory of mum

A West Lothian woman is organising a ladies’ day event in Edinburgh to raise money for pioneering dementia research in honour of her mum who died with Alzheimer’s disease aged 65. Jennifer Littlejohn, from East Calder, is putting on a day of prosecco, afternoon tea, shopping and live music at The Hub in Castlehill, Edinburgh, on Sunday 18 March to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Continue reading Jennifer to host ladies’ day event in memory of mum

Call for volunteers to join fight against dementia in Edinburgh

Passionate volunteers in Edinburgh are being asked to come forward to help form a new fundraising group to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. The UK’s leading dementia research charity is looking for people with a range of skills to help set up the group, which will aim to raise vital funds and awareness across the region. Continue reading Call for volunteers to join fight against dementia in Edinburgh