Welcome to Dementia Research UK
We are a registered charity working to improve the lives of people with dementia by funding medical research, support services, and assistive technologies throughout the UK.
As well as telling you about our objectives and what we do, we have designed this website as a signpost to the wide range of research, services and resources provided by our expert partners, to whom we give grants. You will find links in blue throughout the site which enable you to read more detailed information on our partners’ websites.
Dementia is an umbrella term like ‘cancer’. There are many forms and types of cancer. It is no different with dementia.
'It felt like the sound of distant thunder' ... Peter, after his diagnosis
‘You lie in bed at night and think about what the future might hold’…Caroline, caring for her husband Scott
Over 850,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia and the numbers are rising.
‘More knowledge must equate to a better journey for those with dementia, albeit a difficult one’….Richard
Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It is caused by a variety of brain illnesses ...
World Health Organisation
Recent research suggests that changes to the brain may begin decades before the onset of dementia in later life
‘None of us wants to be reminded that dementia is random, relentless, and frighteningly common’…Laurie
‘This catastrophe could be averted with more research. There is an answer out there’ … Don, a retired doctor
Supporting people living with rare dementias: In conversation with Professor Nick Fox.
Whilst the most common diseases that cause dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, are well known, there is less recognition of, and less research into, rare dementias. From frontotemporal dementia to familial Alzheimer’s disease, these are a collection of dementias that together constitute 5-15% of all cases. There …Read More »
About dementia
Dementia is the name given to a cluster of symptoms caused by various diseases of the brain. The words “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are often used interchangeably, even by clinical staff and social workers, without being clear what the people using the words mean.
In fact, the term “dementia” may be used to cover several different things. The word in some languages is feared, even more than the word “Alzheimer’s.” People have often seemed to find it easier to talk about Alzheimer’s, although the dementia they are discussing is not Alzheimer’s disease but one of a range of other conditions which we’ll talk about here.
Who we are
Dementia Research UK is a grant-making charity, raising funds for research projects across the dementia community in all regions of the UK.
We give grants to national research bodies based at universities and hospitals, and to regional centres delivering services and support directly to those suffering with dementia.
Who we fund
We recognise the need to support research which aims to alleviate and eventually eradicate dementia. We also recognise the need to fund research which seeks to find ways to improve the quality of life for people with dementia right now, through services, support groups and technology.
Our grants cover research in both areas, so we can have a positive impact on the lives of people with dementia both today and in the future.
Dementia research news
- Telomere shortening -- a sign of cellular aging -- linked to signs of Alzheimer's in brain scans
- Is bone health linked to brain health?
- Transporting antibodies across the blood-brain barrier to treat Alzheimer's disease
- MIND and Mediterranean diets associated with fewer Alzheimer's plaques and tangles
Contact information
207 Regent Street, London, W1B 3HH
0845 475 8202
admin@demruk.org
Useful Links
Dementia Research UK is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales No. 8236220. Charity No. 1154143 In Scotland Charity No. SC045615.
The charity is also registered in the UK with the Information Commissioner and Fundraising Regulator.