Dementia is one of the most significant health challenges facing the UK as life expectancy continues to increase, and dementia diagnoses rise year on year. Between 2024 and 2025, Alzheimer’s Research UK invested over £30 million into dementia research1, advancing understanding of the condition and working to develop new treatments. Investment in research is essential to help change the futures of those affected by dementia.
Exploring Current Alzheimer’s Research
While our knowledge of Alzheimer’s has grown in the last century, research remains focused on the underlying causes of the disease, how it can be detected earlier and treated more effectively. Searching for a way to prevent the disease or stop its progression is also a priority, as there is currently no cure. Some current areas of research include:
- Increasing early detection by developing diagnostic techniques that are less invasive, more cost-effective, and more accessible. Multiple studies are exploring whether biomarkers in the blood or saliva can be used to identify dementia in its early stages2.
- Understanding the causes of dementia, from risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition to the impact that the disease has on internal brain structures. For example, some research projects are analysing the breakdown of tau protein (a naturally occurring protein that helps brain cells maintain their structure) in the brain where its buildup can harm nerve cells and the mechanisms behind reduced blood flow to the brain in dementia2.
- Improving treatment options for symptom management and slowing the progression of the disease. Some projects are investigating how we can boost the brain’s natural clearance of misfolded proteins to slow or prevent memory loss2.
Why Alzheimer’s Research Matters
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition that leads to the gradual decline of cognitive function. While it is most commonly associated with memory problems, it affects all areas of life, including thinking, problem-solving, mood, speech, and mobility.
In the UK, it’s estimated that nearly one million people are living with dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type3. This number is projected to grow by over 40% by 2040 due to our ageing population3.
Dementia is not a natural consequence of ageing, but a combination of age-related changes to the brain and other risk factors more common in later life that contribute to the likelihood of developing the diseases leading to dementia. This makes age the biggest risk factor for dementia, and means that as life expectancy increases, the impact of dementia will grow.
Alzheimer’s disease not only affects the person living with the condition, but also their loved ones, carers, and the community that supports them. Research is a vital part of dementia care.
Help Advance Alzheimer’s Research
Today’s Alzheimer’s research could change tomorrow’s care and make a difference to millions of lives. However, only 1% of people who could take part in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s do so, and without volunteers, only limited advances to treatments can occur.
If you are aged 50 to 85 with Alzheimer’s, you could be eligible for MAC’s clinical trial, studying an investigational medicine for Alzheimer’s. It is hoped that the trial medicine will reduce the risk of symptoms such as psychosis/delusions in people living with Alzheimer’s.
Eligible participants and their caregiver/study partner will both receive up to £1,595 for their time and commitment, plus travel expenses or transport for visits.
Find out more on our Alzheimer’s study webpage.
References
1 Alzheimer’s Research UK – Annual reports
2 Alzheimer’s Society – Current research projects
3 Alzheimer’s Society – How many people have dementia in the UK?
4 Dementia Statistics Hub – Statistics about dementia research
