Natalie Edwards

Today marks 120 years since Alzheimer’s disease was first described. And thanks to decades of research, we have many reasons to be hopeful for the future. We've funded over £120 million of dementia research since 1989 which has led to ground-breaking discoveries: In the 1990s we supported the early work of Professor Sir John Hardy, which helped establish the leading theory that amyloid causes Alzheimer’s. This laid the foundations for advances including the development of lecanemab and donanemab - the first drugs that can slow down early-stage Alzheimer's (though not currently available on the NHS). We also funded research by Professor Nick Fox, who found changes in the brains of people with a rare genetic form of Alzheimer's several years before symptoms appeared. This reshaped our understanding of when Alzheimer’s begins and opened up possibilities for treatments earlier in the course of disease. Our researchers have also developed ways to help manage symptoms like aggression and agitation in people with advanced dementia without the need for antipsychotic drugs - giving families more precious time with their loved ones. Research led by Professor Rob Howard showed that the drug donepezil could help people with more advanced Alzheimer's stay at home with their loved ones for longer. In 2019 alone, this led to an estimated 500,000 additional months at home for people living with the condition. And the Blood Biomarker Challenge aims to bring blood tests for dementia diagnosis into the NHS by 2030, offering a simpler, less invasive way to diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier and more accurately. In 120 years, we’ve gone from first recognising Alzheimer’s disease to being able to change its course. Today, we're supporting over £50 million in dementia research, working with over 400 researchers across the UK. There is still a long way to go, but research gives us more reasons than ever to believe in a future where can be diagnosed earlier, treated more effectively and, some day, cured.

Ever wondered what the difference is between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? They’re often used to mean the same thing, but there’s an important difference. Dementia describes a group of symptoms, while Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that can cause dementia. Watch to find out more, and share this with someone who might find it useful.

A simple blood test could help change the future of dementia diagnosis. The Blood Biomarker Challenge is a ground-breaking research initiative which aims to bring blood tests for dementia diagnosis into the NHS by 2030. Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, yet over a third of people living with the condition remain undiagnosed - meaning they can’t access the treatment, care, and support they urgently need. These blood tests could offer a less invasive and more accessible way to help identify the diseases that cause dementia, helping more people get the early and accurate diagnosis they deserve. This would give more families the chance to plan for the future, access appropriate treatments and support, and take part in research. In due course, these tests are likely to be needed to access emerging treatments that may slow the progression of dementia. Watch our video to find out more about how these blood tests work, and the difference they could make. The Blood Biomarker Challenge is supported by Alzheimer’s Society, @AlzResearchUK, @NIHRresearch, Gates Ventures and @PostcodeLottery players.

Want your own? The socks and tie are both available for pre-order in our online shop! Grab yours here: spkl.io/60167n20q

Jon Snow is bringing his signature colourful style to Alzheimer’s Society! 🧦 Together with designer Victoria Richards, legendary broadcaster Jon Snow has created a pair of luxury socks and a limited-edition silk tie, inspired by our colours and his unmistakable style. Following his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, @jonsnowC4 hopes the collection will help raise awareness and vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

'Now I'm Prime Minister, it's a personal mission I'm determined to see through.' Fresh after announcing new investment to make dementia research a national priority, Andy Burnham has vowed to 'throw the weight of government' at defeating dementia in memory of his father. 'This is personal for me. I know how it feels to lose a loved one to dementia. 'That's why I'm pleased to support the Daily Mail and Alzheimer's Society's Defeating Dementia campaign. We'll throw the weight of government behind that effort.' 'Not just because of my dad, but because this is a country full of fathers and mothers, friends and loved ones, who all deserve to be treated with dignity as they age. 'Dementia is a devastatingly cruel disease, not only for those who live with it, but for the families who care for them.' 'For too long, we have accepted dementia as something to be managed later in life, rather than a disease we can defeat. I don't accept that. 'I want Britain to be the leading nation in dementia research, making the breakthroughs that change people's lives. This is a significant moment for dementia and we welcome the Prime Minister’s ambition for the UK to lead the world in discovering new treatments to beat dementia. Read the full articles in the Daily Mail at dailymail.com/health/article… Image credit: Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/F… Edited to add blue background.

The Prime Minister is making dementia research a priority. This is a huge moment! He set out an ambition for the UK to lead the world in discovering new treatments to beat dementia, alongside substantial new investment in The BARBARA Alliance. It's a major vote of confidence in the researchers, clinicians and organisations working together to accelerate progress, remove barriers to clinical trials and accelerate progress towards new treatments. With sustained investment, earlier diagnosis and a determination to make research accessible to everyone, we have a real opportunity to create the change that's so desperately needed. Read more about this announcement at: spkl.io/60147VNTK Photo credit: By Alecsandra Dragoi / No 10 Downing Street, OGL 3, spkl.io/60167VNTM

📣 ‘Join me in demanding better dementia diagnosis.’ Actor, broadcaster, author, national treasure and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, Sir Tony Robinson, shares our belief that a dementia diagnosis should be more than being handed a leaflet and left to get on with it. A diagnosis should give answers, not create more questions. It should unlock access to vital treatment and support. But together, we have a cunning plan. We're calling on government to demand that after being referred by their GP, everyone with dementia receives a diagnosis, a care plan, and, where appropriate, begins treatment - all within 18 weeks. If you agree with Sir Tony that everyone affected by dementia deserves the same care and support we’d expect for other serious health conditions, then join us. Add your name to our call to end the wait for dementia diagnosis: action.alzheimers.org.uk/pag…

'My father’s official diagnosis of vascular dementia with Alzheimer’s disease was in 2011. Mama had visited their GP several times expressing concern, she duly accompanied Papa to the NHS Memory Clinic and every time he passed the tests that are supposed to spot the early warning signs of dementia. Now we know early dementia doesn’t have a timetable, it can descend like a fog and lift just as quickly: like the weather there are good days and bad days. It so happened every time Papa sat those tests, he was having a Good Day. Now we know the only truly accurate diagnosis can come via a brain scan but by the time we had done this, it was too late. There are drugs that can slow down the march of this inexorable disease but my mother’s natural instincts to protect Papa and us, and I suspect the prevailing stigma attached to admitting there was something wrong “in his head” meant by the time my brother and I knew the full extent of Papa’s condition, we had missed that deadline of early intervention. We went from wondering if there was Something Wrong to full on crisis management in 24 hours.' Like many families, Meera's faced delays with dementia diagnosis. It should open the door to support, hope and progress. But too many people are still missing out, and that’s not fair. Meera Syal talks openly about her experience of dementia and the role of Alzheimer's Society in her book Vigilauntie: A Memoir - Innit? out now in hardback, ebook and audio.

Did you spot Thomas Tuchel wearing a blue and yellow flower last night? 👀 This is the Alzheimer's Society Forget Me Not badge. The badge is a symbol of remembrance, understanding and solidarity with everyone affected by dementia. Wearing it helps to raise awareness, challenge stigma and send a powerful reminder to people living with dementia, and those who care for them, that they are not alone. Thank you, Thomas. 💙 @England