More than 20,000 volunteers have responded to the call to help with vital research into dementia treatment in the United Kingdom.
This initiative, led by the University of Cambridge in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Society, will speed up the development of much-needed dementia treatments.
Why Dementia Research Is Important
Dementia research is critical given the disease's staggering prevalence and profound impact on individuals and societies around the world.
According to the UK Alzheimer's Society, there are currently 982,000 people grappling with dementia in the UK, with a projected increase to 1.4 million by 2040.
Despite recent developments, existing dementia treatments have limited efficacy, with most new approaches failing clinical trials.
One major obstacle is testing drugs when symptoms are already advanced, which can reduce their effectiveness. Thus, it is critical to understand the early stages of dementia and develop interventions before symptoms appear.
More Than 20,000 Volunteers Join Dementia Research Efforts
To address this challenge, the Genes and Cognition Cohort within the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) BioResource has mobilized over 21,000 volunteers aged 17-85 to help with medicine and clinical trials on potential dementia treatments.
Established in 2007, the NIHR BioResource is a platform for recruiting volunteers for experimental medicine and clinical trials across various medical domains. Half of its participants are from the general public, providing detailed genetic and physical information, with consent for future research studies.
Utilizing cognitive tests and genetic data, researchers have launched a groundbreaking study to investigate cognitive changes and identify potential targets for intervention.
Professor Patrick Chinnery, co-chair of the NIHR BioResource, outlined the participant selection process, highlighting the focus on recruiting individuals without dementia symptoms rather than those already exhibiting them. This strategy aims to facilitate tailored study matches and expedite the development of essential dementia treatments.
Alzheimer's patients, Mirelle (C) and Andre-Pierre (2R) take part to a photography workshop aimed at stimulating their interactivity at "Les Papillons de Marcelle" house, in Arles, southeastern France, on May 9, 2023. In France, about 4,750 senior citizens live with a foster carer, a drop in the bucket compared to the 600,000 or so residents in Ehpad. CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images
(Photo : CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images) Alzheimer's patients, Mirelle (C) and Andre-Pierre (2R) take part to a photography workshop aimed at stimulating their interactivity at "Les Papillons de Marcelle" house, in Arles, southeastern France, on May 9, 2023. In France, about 4,750 senior citizens live with a foster carer, a drop in the bucket compared to the 600,000 or so residents in Ehpad.
Findings
The study has revealed two key mechanisms influencing cognitive decline: inflammation and metabolism. Inflammation, driven by brain-specific immune cells called microglia, gradually impairs brain function, while alterations in metabolism, particularly carbohydrate breakdown, affect cognitive abilities.
Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into delaying cognitive decline and, subsequently, dementia onset.
Dr. Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer's Society, lauds the study as a pivotal step toward unraveling the origins of dementia and developing targeted treatments.
With data from over 20,000 volunteers, researchers can explore the intricate interplay between genetics and cognitive decline, paving the way for innovative interventions.
Research suggests that the condition is expected to affect 139 million people worldwide by 2050.
How to Join Dementia Research Efforts
For individuals interested in joining dementia research efforts, participation is accessible through initiatives like Join Dementia Research. By volunteering for cognitive tests and providing genetic information, individuals contribute to a growing body of knowledge to transform dementia care and treatment.
