Nine of our employees got to see how their support is helping to make a difference to dementia research when they visited an Alzheimer’s Research UK-funded lab at the University of Nottingham.
The group went to hear more about a groundbreaking project being led by Prof Kevin Morgan to better understand the role our genes play in dementia.
We know that dementia is caused by a complex mix of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors, and scientists are carrying out pioneering work to better understand these causes, so we can develop more effective treatments to slow, stop or even prevent the condition.
For his project, Prof Morgan is looking at DNA samples from the brains of people who have died with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of the condition. The brains being used have been generously donated as part of an initiative called Brains for Dementia Research (BDR) and Prof Morgan will use the samples to discover more about the risk genes associated with dementia.
What’s more, his findings will be added to an invaluable scientific bank of information about the participants of BDR – where there are details about their annual memory and thinking tests, as well as their medical records and surveys about their lifestyles. By bringing all this information together, researchers can piece together the puzzle of the changes that occurred during the participant’s life and hopefully use it to bring about life-changing treatments.
Emma Worsey, a Business Analyst at Briggs Equipment, was one of the employees who got to go on the tour and hear more about the pioneering work taking place in Prof Morgan’s lab. She said:
“I’m so glad I got the chance to visit the lab, it was a really interesting day and it was exciting to hear about all the different research projects taking place to help find a cure for dementia. The thing that I probably found most interesting was the cost of the equipment needed for the research. I don’t think people realise how much is needed – I definitely didn’t before the tour – so it shows why our support is so important. With so many people affected by dementia, I’m so glad we’re able to help Alzheimer’s Research UK in the search for a cure.”
Katy Abraham, Corporate Partnerships Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We’re delighted that we could take a group from Briggs Equipment around one of our groundbreaking labs. The support we’ve received from all of you so far has been incredible and it’s fantastic to be able to show you how your efforts are making a difference to dementia research. Thank you for all you’re doing!”
We are supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK until July and so far have raised over £25,000. Why not get involved by taking on a fundraising challenge? Find some inspiration here: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/support-us/fundraise/
