Dementia Support Line
Alzheimer’s Society’s view on the use of animals in research
Alzheimer’s Society is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and supports its position statement on the use of animals in research.
We believe that funding animal research is essential to understanding dementia and developing effective treatments. Medical research that uses animals has brought major improvements to the health and well-being of humans, for example deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson's disease.
Research using animals can only be carried out where there is no practicable alternative and must be licenced by the Home Office. Alzheimer’s Society fully supports the principle of the 3Rs - the replacement, reduction and refinement of the use of animals in research. In cases where animal research is justified, the minimum number of animals is used and researchers maintain the highest standards of animal welfare.
Animals used in research
82% of current Alzheimer’s Society research, as a proportion of the number of grants, does not involve the use of living animals. This includes test-tube and cell culture experiments, clinical trials, psychosocial research and epidemiological surveys.
Research funded by Alzheimer’s Society that does use animals uses mice, rats, worms and fruit flies. Alzheimer’s Society does not currently fund any research that uses primates.
Research design
Alzheimer’s Society plans its research carefully to ensure that it is relevant, well-designed and avoids duplication. The use of animals has to be justified in every project and is subject to robust peer review. In cases where animal research is justified, the minimum number of animals is used, and researchers maintain the highest standards of animal welfare.
Alzheimer’s Society supports the strict UK regulation of animal research. Alzheimer's Society requires the scientists it funds to comply with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and supplementary guidance from the Home Office. These regulations are among the most comprehensive in the world.
Respecting the views of Alzheimer’s Society donors on use of animals in research
Alzheimer’s Society recognises that some donors and supporters have objections to the use of animals in research. Donors who wish to ensure their donation does not support research that involves animals can do so, and their wishes will always be fully respected.