1 June 2011

Free event in Dundee will reveal latest dementia research

Dundee scientists will lift the lid on the latest dementia research at a free public event next week (7 June).

The event at Ninewells Hospital, supported by Alzheimer's Research UK, will see leading researchers from the University of Dundee talk about the progress being made in the battle to defeat dementia.

Members of the public will have the chance to hear about the challenges scientists face in developing effective treatments for dementia, and will be able to put their questions to the experts.

Prof Mike Ashford, a dementia researcher at the University of Dundee, said: "This is a great opportunity to hear from those at the frontline of research. Dementia currently affects over 1,200 people in Dundee alone, and across the UK, 25 million people know a close friend or family member with dementia. We encourage anyone who wants to know more about the condition and our efforts to defeat it to attend on 7 June."

Dr Simon Ridley, Head of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, the UK's leading dementia research charity, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this event, which promises to provide answers to many of the questions people have about dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing - it's caused by brain diseases that can be beaten if we invest in research, and this event is a valuable chance to hear about the progress researchers are making."

The event will take place in Lecture Theatre 2 at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, from 6.30-8.30pm on Tuesday 7 June. No booking is needed, and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Susan Simpson on s.l.simpson@dundee.ac.uk or 01382 496589, or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/public-research-events

For further information, or to speak with Prof Mike Ashford or Dr Simon Ridley, please contact Kirsty Marais, Media Officer at Alzheimer's Research UK on 01223 843304, 07826 559233 or email press@alzheimersresearchuk.org.

Notes to editors:

• Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading charity specialising in finding preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia.
• To help us defeat dementia, donate today by visiting www.alzheimersresearchuk.org or calling 01223 843899.
• We are currently supporting dementia research projects worth £17 million in leading Universities across the UK.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902