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Funding boost for Alzheimer’s research in Cambridge

in
Date published: 
Thursday, September 18, 2008
News source: 
Alzheimer's Research Trust
Region: 
International
Cambridge University colleges 
 
As World Alzheimer’s Day approaches this Sunday, a Shelford-based charity, the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, has awarded just over £150,000 for new research into Alzheimer’s disease at the University of Cambridge.
 
Researchers will investigate the genetic causes of Alzheimer’s disease. At present, the cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, but it is likely that a mixture of environmental and genetic factors are involved. 

Finding genes associated with Alzheimer’s will tell researchers about the biology of the disease, which could lead to the discovery of new targets for drugs to act on. 

The researchers will use worms and fruit flies help them identify the genes.  

Dr Damian Crowther, who is leading the research team, said: “We hope to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s, improve our estimates of disease risk, provide earlier diagnosis and open up new routes to treatment.” 

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said: “We are delighted to be funding this important study. 

“There are 700,000 people in the UK with dementia and this number is expected to double within a generation, we desperately need to fund research looking at different ways to tackle this devastating disease. 

“We are pleased to be supporting a project in our local area and we wish Dr Crowther and his team all the best with their research” 

World Alzheimer’s Day is this Sunday 21st September. 

 

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