Why is dementia research important

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing – We all forget a name or a face sometimes. Especially as we get older. But dementia is something different, memory problems are one of a number of symptoms that people with dementia may experience. Others include difficulties with planning, thinking things through, struggling to keep up with a conversation, and sometimes changes in mood or behaviour. Dementia is devastating, around 850,000 people are living with the disease in the UK and it is now the leading cause of death for both men and women. Despite this, we still do not fully understand what causes the disease, there is no cure, and it has been 16 years since any new drugs were licensed to treat the disease. Additionally, we are only now starting to understand how we can best care for and support people who have a diagnosis, and what could be done to prevent the disease in future generations.

The only way to tackle this condition is through research! Learning what is going on in the brain, is one of the keys to unlocking the solution to eradicating the disease. Along with learning how to prevent, diagnose, provide better care, treat and supporting people living with the disease.

Why you should consider becoming a dementia researcher

We need more young-people and undergraduates to follow a path into a career in dementia research.

Here are three reasons:

1. You will be helping to make people's lives better! You can be sure that whatever you do, your research can make a difference, understanding the brain, developing new treatments, learning how best to care for people, code data - you can make a difference.
2. There are over four cancer researchers for every one dementia researcher, and it costs the economy £26bn a year. The UK government has committed to doubling the amount of funding available for dementia research, when this funding is combined with the potential for discovery, this is an exciting time for dementia research, and the brain is the one part of the human body we still know so little about.
3. Everyone can utilise their talents, and it's more than just a job. Scientists, Artists, Nurses, Psychologists, Coders, Communicators, Musicians, Doctors, Technologists - find your own path, with our help.