Why Dementia Research Matters

Sir Simon Lovestone
Professor of Translational Neuroscience, University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry

"Dementia has to be one of the most exciting and important areas of research today. Challenging, certainly, but we are surely on the cusp of major advances and there can be no better area for researchers to launch a career and one that has the potential to impact on huge numbers of people around the world."

Gill Livingstone
Professor of Psychiatry of Older People, University College London Division of Psychiatry

“Dementia is the most important health, social and economic challenge of our time. Now is the time to develop the most talented people in their early career as dementia researchers so they can build on the progress that has begun. These researchers will make a difference to those many people living and dying with dementia and their families and in doing so can transform the future for us all.”


Prof Sebastian Crutch
Neuropsychologist, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology

"Although awareness of the dementias is on the rise, there is still much that researchers and their work can contribute to challenging traditional definitions and common misconceptions. A particularly exciting opportunity is to work not just for but with people living with or caring for someone with a dementia, who so often inspire, train and develop the thinking of creative researchers."

Prof Bob Woods, Professor of Clinical Psychology of Older People, Bangor University

“One of the most exciting developments in dementia research is the engagement of people living with dementia and their family care-givers. Whatever your area of research – from care to cause or cure – their involvement keeps you grounded in the real-life difficulties faced by those affected by the condition and their courage and creative ways of coping never fail to inspire and motivate. We urgently need to increase capacity in my own area of psychosocial research – improving care today and tomorrow is vital for the millions of people living with dementia across the world.” 

Professor Charlotte Clarke, Head of the School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh

Tackling the challenges of dementia in society needs fresh ideas, newly applied theory and innovative methods – and so it needs early career researchers working in research-rich environments that nurture careers.

The pursuit of knowledge in dementia and Alzheimer's disease research is not just a career—it's a calling. At a time when our global population is ageing, the ramifications of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's are more significant than ever. Today, nearly 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and this number is expected to triple by 2050. The impact of dementia doesn't just touch the individuals diagnosed; it ripples through families, communities, and entire healthcare systems.

We're in the midst of a crisis, and we need fresh minds, innovative ideas, and unyielding dedication to confront it head-on. Imagine being on the cusp of discoveries that could change the course of medicine, impact millions of lives, and lessen the burden on families watching their loved ones fade away. That's what a career in dementia research offers you—a real, tangible opportunity to make a significant difference.

As a researcher in this field, you would be at the forefront of scientific exploration, or on the cutting edge of care, or even a big part of delivering new diagnosis or treatments delving into the intricate workings of the human brain to understand why and how these diseases take hold. Whether you're interested in genetics, biochemistry, psychology, arts, data analysis, or clinical trials there's a place for you. The interdisciplinary nature of dementia research means you'll collaborate with experts from various fields, each bringing a unique perspective to solving the complex puzzle of degenerative brain diseases.

Moreover, your work could contribute to breakthrough treatments and therapies, not just for Alzheimer's but all forms of dementia. You might explore new ways to diagnose these diseases earlier, providing a better quality of life for those affected. Or perhaps you'll help to identify risk factors and preventive measures, shaping public health policies for years to come.

It's not just about what you stand to gain—a fulfilling, intellectually stimulating career—but also what you stand to give: hope. Hope to the millions affected by dementia and their loved ones. Hope that, one day, we might live in a world where a dementia diagnosis isn't a life sentence but a manageable condition.

So, if you're pondering your career path, consider this. A career in dementia research won't just be another job; it will be a lifelong mission, one that comes with the unmatched satisfaction of knowing you're contributing to the greater good of humanity.

In this endeavour, every question you ask and every challenge you undertake brings us a step closer to a brighter future. Will you answer the call?

 

Dementia Statistics from Alzheimer's Research UK
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