The event takes place during the Cambridge Science Festival which runs from 9 – 22 March. The meeting will involve talks from scientists at the forefront of research into the condition. The free event is organised by members of the Alzheimer’s Research UK East Network Centre.
Dementia affects over 850,000 people in the UK, including more than 8,000 people in Cambridgeshire alone. The condition, most commonly caused by Alzheimer’s disease, affects people’s ability to remember, think, plan and communicate. At present, while there are treatments that can help with the symptoms, there is no way to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia.
Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, funding around £34m of dementia research across the country. This research is helping scientists to better understand the diseases that cause dementia and develop new diagnostics, preventions and treatments.
Leading dementia experts will talk about how their research is improving our understanding of the condition, including Prof Ian McKeith, who will be talking about a lesser known type of dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies. He will discuss the varied symptoms of this disease, the research progress being made and how the public can help improve our understanding of dementia.
There will also be interactive group discussions led by scientists, and this will be an opportunity for attendees to ask the questions that really matter to them. There will be a chance to hear about different types of dementia and the range of research taking place in the area. There will also be the chance to use A Walk Through Dementia, a virtual reality experience that puts the user in the shoes of someone who is experiencing the symptoms of dementia.
Dr Li Su is the Coordinator of the Alzheimer’s Research UK East Network Centre. He said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity for people to hear about the research taking place locally to them, and it is great for us to be able to share this research at Cambridge Science Festival. Research will ultimately deliver breakthroughs in how we diagnose and treat dementia, and we want to share the progress we’re making with the public. You don’t need prior knowledge of dementia research to attend, and we hope to see many people come along and join the discussion.”
Dr Katy Stubbs is Public Engagement Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK. She said: “As dementia affects more and more people across society, we want to provide opportunities for people to hear about the research taking place near them. These events are a unique and important opportunity to ask questions that are important to you, while meeting others and sharing experiences. The public plays a critical role in shaping research, so this is an important chance for discussion and exchanging views.”
The free event is being held from 4:00 – 6:00pm on Thursday 12 March at Lecture Theatre 2, School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ. There will be refreshments provided, and registration is required. There are two main car parks for visitors at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, but spaces are limited during peak times. To reserve your place, please call the Supporter Care team 0300 111 5 333, or email Min Huey Ong.