Universities open doors on Alzheimer's research
Thursday 10 May 2018
SCIENTISTS in Salford and Manchester are inviting the public to a free event on Wednesday 23 May to hear more about progress in dementia research.
There will be interactive exhibits from researchers and local support organisations, lab tours and performances followed by a panel discussion with scientists and doctors at the forefront of research into the condition.
The event provides a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes in a laboratory, meeting scientists working to understand the changes that take place in the brain in the diseases that cause dementia.Visitors will get the chance to hear about the latest research studies, such as projects aiming to clear toxic proteins from the brain by boosting our cells’ waste disposal systems, and research examining how damage spreads from cell to cell in the brain.
Alzheimer’s Research UK will be encouraging the public to try ‘A Walk Through Dementia,’ a virtual reality experience aiming to break down misconceptions and raise awareness of dementia. The event will culminate in a panel discussion in which visitors can put their questions to the experts, as well as hearing from people living with dementia.
Most-feared
Dr Gemma Lace-Costigan, lecturer in molecular bioscience and a member of the University of Salford’s Institute for Dementia, said:“Dementia is now the UK’s most feared health condition, drawing level with cancer for the first time. With an increasingly ageing population, it’s a condition that will affect more and more of us, so it’s important that people have the opportunity to understand more about it.
“This event is a fantastic opportunity for peopleto hear about the vital research taking place to understand and ultimately beat the diseases that cause dementia. We hope it will be an informal and informative event for people in the area who may want to know more.”
Dementia affects over 850,000 people in the UK, and affects people’s ability to remember, think, plan and communicate. 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.
Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity. They fund more than £31m of dementia research across the country, which is helping scientists to better understand the diseases that cause dementia and develop new diagnostics, preventions and treatments.
Questions answered
Dr Katy Stubbs from Alzheimer’s Research UK will also be speaking, said: “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 discussing experiences and exchanging views.”
The free event is being held from 12noon – 6pm on Wednesday 23 May at the University of Salford, Peel Park Campus, Salford, M54NT and refreshments will be provided. For more information on the event please call 0161 2952363.
May 21- 27 is Dementia Awareness Week.
Alternatively, you can access the Eventbrite pageat www.aruksalfordpublic.eventbrite.co.uk
Find out more
Gareth Hollyman, Senior Press & PR Officer (Science)
0161 295 6895 g.b.hollyman@salford.ac.uk
