Funded by the Alzheimer's Research Trust, the UK's leading dementia research charity, the team at the University of Cardiff is using brain scans to study the link between blood flow and brain tissue loss in Alzheimer's disease.

Recent research shows that in a part of the brain critical for memory, blood flow increases in early Alzheimer’s, perhaps compensating for brain tissue loss. It is possible that damage to small blood vessels in the brain could interfere with this compensatory blood flow. As high blood pressure is known to damage blood vessels, it could be both a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s and a treatment target.

Dr Michael O’Sullivan, who will be leading the University of Cardiff research team, explained: “Some areas of the brain shrink early in Alzheimer’s, while in other areas reduced blood flow is a very early sign. In this study we will be using new MRI scanning techniques to explore the link between loss of brain tissue and blood flow. Understanding the part played by blood vessels should improve knowledge of how to treat risk factors in people with early Alzheimer’s.”

Alzheimer’s Research Trust supporter, Carolyn Morris, from Castleton in Gwent, said: “My mother has Alzheimer’s and no longer recognises me. She now lives in a care home in Penarth and it has been heart breaking seeing her gradual decline from an independent, outgoing person, to someone who is totally dependent and very rarely speaks. When she does say an occasional word or phrase, it is wonderful, like a miracle. We must support research that can help rid us all of the trauma of Alzheimer’s.”

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, added: “Research is the only way to beat this disease and we are delighted to be funding this pilot study. There are 700,000 people in the UK with dementia and it is becoming an increasing burden to society, affecting not only patients but also their families, carers and the wider community. The work Dr O’Sullivan and his team are undertaking offers new hope of developing the treatments so desperately needed.”

Over 36,000 people in Wales alone are living with the daily reality of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and the devastating effects it has on their lives.