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Constandinou Lab Radar Gait Doppler Tim Constandinou

Pioneering tech for healthy ageing: Radar and deep brain stimulation innovations

Prof Timothy Constandinou is working on pioneering radar technology that is about to be deployed into people’s homes for the first time. We caught up with Tim to find out more about the potential impact of these devices, and explore his other innovations in the field of Deep Brain Stimulation. This article is part of our ‘Deliver’ series, showcasing the UK DRI's mission to discover the causes of neurodegeneration, develop possible treatments and deliver solutions for healthy ageing.

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Ultrasound as a potential tool to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease

As part of our "Develop" series, framed by the UK DRI's mission to discover the causes of neurodegeneration, develop possible treatments and deliver solutions for healthy ageing, this article dives into the motivations and research of UK DRI Emerging Leader Dr Sophie Morse, to understand how to use ultrasound as a treatment.

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Comment: MHRA approves lecanemab but NICE deems drug not cost effective for use on NHS

Today the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved lecanemab for use in the UK to treat early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. However, draft guidance released simultaneously by NICE, has said that the benefits of the new drug are too small to justify the costs, and therefore has not recommended it for availability on the NHS. Here, UK DRI researchers respond to the news.

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Pioneering dementia data science: Innovative new course equips researchers with cutting-edge skills

Earlier this year, data scientists from the UK DRI and beyond gathered for an exciting course, jointly organised by the UK DRI and EMBL-EBI, aimed at equipping dementia researchers with the skills to access and analyse data.

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New research hub aims to harness quantum technology to improve early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

A major new research hub involving UK DRI researchers and led by UCL and the University of Cambridge, aims to harness quantum technology to improve early diagnosis and treatment of disease.

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Comment: Lancet Commission report finds nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed

A report by the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care, concludes that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, starting in childhood and continuing throughout life, could prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases. Here, UK DRI researchers respond to the new report.

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UK DRI appoints Chief People and Culture Officer

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Juliet Morris as Chief People and Culture Officer commencing September 2024.

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Comment: EMA refuses approval of lecanemab for Alzheimer’s

Today, the European Medicines Agency has made the decision not to approve lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Here, UK DRI researchers comment on the news.

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Accelerating motor neurone disease research by harnessing the power of health data

Research into the life-shortening neurological condition motor neuron disease (MND) will receive a major boost through the formation of a new data catalyst led by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and Dementias Platforms UK (DPUK), supported by the UK DRI.

Human Oligodendrocytes In A Dish Green Produce The Protein Which Causes Alzheimers Disease

Supporting brain cell a key driver of harmful protein production in Alzheimer’s

A study led by Dr Marc Aurel Busche (UK DRI at UCL) reveals a key role in Alzheimer’s progression for oligodendrocytes, as producers of harmful amyloid beta protein in the brain. The research, published in the journal PLOS Biology, could lead to new specific treatments for the condition that exhibit fewer side effects.

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Prof Julie Williams steps down: Celebrating the founding Director's contributions to the UK DRI at Cardiff

Prof Julie Williams will be stepping down from her role as Director of the UK DRI at Cardiff from July 2024. As founding Director of the Cardiff Centre, Prof Williams established an exceptional research facility that has made significant advances in unravelling the complexities of neurodegenerative disease. Here, we take a look back at some of Prof Williams’ fantastic achievements, and the legacy she leaves behind.

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Major new funding for NHS collaboration on digitally enabled dementia care

The UK DRI is to conduct a new two-year study to prepare its flagship digital care platform, Minder, for integration with the NHS and social care services. The study, funded by medical research charity LifeArc, will pave the way for a new era of digitally enabled, community-based care for people living with dementia, empowering the NHS and social care services to provide care of the highest quality to people with dementia in their own homes.

Prof Julie Williams awarded British Neuroscience Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience

We are delighted to announce that Prof Julie Williams (UK DRI at Cardiff) has been awarded the British Neuroscience Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience.

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New clue in understanding increased Alzheimer’s risk

Research from the University of Sheffield’s Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), together with scientists from the UK DRI at Cambridge, reveals how a protein known as apolipoprotein E (APOE) interacts with amyloid-beta, and how this interaction affects the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Better Ageing Credit Peter Kindersley

UK DRI and sector leaders launch Dementia Manifesto calling on next UK government to take action on dementia

The UK DRI has joined forces with other leading organisations across the sector to launch the Dementia Manifesto, urging the next UK government to take action on dementia. In the manifesto, the UK DRI together with Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland, have set out five key areas for change.

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UK DRI appoints Chief Innovation and Business Officer

We are delighted to announce that Róisín NicAmhlaoibh will join the UK DRI as Chief Innovation and Business Officer, commencing September 2024.

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Insight into cause of rare childhood brain disease reveals treatment targets

A study co-led by Professor David Hunt (UK DRI at Edinburgh) and Associate Professor Markus Hofer (The University of Sydney) reveals fresh insight into the mechanisms underlying a rare disease that can cause childhood dementia.

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Why digital matters for neurodegeneration treatments

Neurodegenerative disorders are a global challenge - and in the UK are the leading cause of death, with the cost of dementia in the UK in 2024 estimated to be £42 billion. It’s no surprise that digital solutions within the field of neurodegeneration are currently exploding as a consequence. The BioBeat24 half-day event, co-organised by the UK DRI, was all about exploring emerging opportunities both from research and clinical perspectives as well as understanding the fundraising environment for entrepreneurs.

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How immune cells in the brain respond to stroke

A new study led by Dr Barry McColl and Dr Jack Barrington (UK DRI at Edinburgh) reveals insight into cellular changes in the brain that occur after a stroke. The research, published in the journal Cell Reports, could open up new therapeutic avenues for the condition.

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Brain cell communication linked to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers led by Dr Lorena Arancibia Cárcamo and Dr Anna Mallach at the UK DRI at UCL, the Francis Crick Institute and the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research have revealed how communication between support cells in the brain disrupts signals between neurons in mice modelling Alzheimer’s disease.