Going the distance for dementia research

Posted on July 14th, 2018 by Dom Millar

By Georgi Welch, Regional Fundraising Officer for the South East at Alzheimer’s Research UK

We are facing one of the biggest global health challenges in a generation, but we are determined to tackle it head on.

At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we’ve set out a clear mission to bring about the first life-changing treatment for dementia by 2025. We’re relentless in our pursuit of that mission and so it is great to see that our supporters are just as relentless in the way they power dementia research.

We work with amazing people every day who are pushing the boundaries in both physical and mental challenges and so when I heard about Dom, James and Graham’s ambition to cycle the infamous 100 climbs I thought it was incredible.

I have no doubt the challenge will be hard but with their grit and determination, their ride will be fuelled by the knowledge that they are raising money to end the fear, harm and heartbreak that dementia causes.

Almost everyone knows someone who is affected by some form of dementia and Dom knows better than anyone how dementia impacts families as his father is living with Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) which is the third most common type of dementia. For every 100 people with dementia, around 10-15 of them will have DLB.
DLB is caused by small round clumps of protein that build up inside nerve cells in the brain. One of these proteins is called alpha-synuclein and the clumps it forms are called Lewy bodies. The protein clumps damage the way nerve cells work and communicate. The nerve cells that are affected by Lewy bodies are in areas of the brain that control thinking, memory and movement.

That is why we are so grateful to the team for pledging to raise £25,000 for dementia research – this money could provide scientists with the tools and resources they need to make discoveries that will detect dementia earlier, find new treatments and ultimately change people’s lives for the better.

Why not join the fightback against dementia and join Dom, James and Graham on their ride for a day of The 100 Climbs Challenge?

To find out more about the dementia and the work that Alzheimer’s Research UK is doing to tackle the condition visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org or contact Georgi georgi.welch@alzheimersresearchuk.org