Vascular and Immune Contributors to Dementia

Professor Stuart Allan

Alzheimer’s Society Doctoral Training Centre for Vascular and Immune Contributors to Dementia led by Professor Stuart Allan at University of Manchester.

This Centre aims to address the longstanding lack of research into the vascular and immune changes involved in dementia. It is widely accepted the cardiovascular and immune systems are important in the diseases which cause dementia. It is estimated that at least 70% of people told they have Alzheimer’s disease also have changes to blood vessels in their brains, and more to brain immune cells. Despite knowing these systems are important, the vascular and immune changes involved in dementia have not been extensively studied and are not well understood.

Led by Professor Stuart Allan at University of Manchester, this Doctoral Training Centre aims to tackle the devastation of dementia with innovative methods and a focus on new treatments. Professor Allan said:

“Dementia is one of the most significant healthcare challenges of the 21st Century. A huge number of people are affected by dementia – directly or indirectly – and unfortunately treatment options are extremely limited. Our research will focus on changing this situation to make dementia a treatable condition, improving quality of life for patients. 

By focussing on how the vascular and immune systems contribute to disease onset and progression we hope to find ways to modify these systems that can be developed into much needed new treatments for dementia.”

For news, oppertunities and updates from the DTC head to our Alzheimer’s Society DTC Summary Page.

For more information on the projects, students and centre progress visit: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research/our-research/alzheimers-society-doctoral-training-centres/vascular-and-immune-contributors-dementia