The health, economic and social burden of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases is huge. 1 in 3 people will develop dementia, costing the UK £30 billion annually (Dementia UK report). Social inequalities and co-existing medical conditions worsen dementia risk and long-term outcomes. The Neurodegenerative Disease and Dementia (NDD) theme will discover and develop, launch new diagnostics, biomarkers and treatments. We will widen patient involvement, build research capacity and maximize impact through experimental medicine studies and clinical trials that accommodate the variability of these diseases, co-existing medical conditions, and promote inclusion of under-served groups.
Our work encompasses the study of common NDDs such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Vascular Dementia, as well as rarer disorders (Huntington’s disease, Frontotemporal dementias and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). Our research impact is complemented by training and capacity development, with many PhD students, new Academic Clinical Lectureships and partnerships with other Universities and industry.
NDD research is aligned to the 2019 NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to improve dementia care, with a cure for dementia now a Government priority. We share the public’s priorities of improved diagnostics, treatment and disease prevention.
The use of neuroimaging techniques in the early and differential diagnosis of dementia
Mortality rates and proximal causes of death in patients with Lewy body dementia versus Alzheimer’s disease: A longitudinal study using secondary care mental health records
Microglial activation in the frontal cortex predicts cognitive decline in frontotemporal dementia
Widespread cell stress and mitochondrial dysfunction occur in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease
Neurophysiological consequences of synapse loss in progressive supranuclear palsy.