Our research strategy

Alzheimer's Society pioneered public involvement in dementia research. We work with the scientific community in partnership with people affected by dementia, and currently invest over £6 million in dementia research.

Dementia research is seriously under-funded. The government invests eight times less in dementia research than cancer research. If nothing is done now, one million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. We must invest in research to defeat dementia.

Alzheimer's Society has funded over 100 research projects in leading scientific institutions across the UK. This research falls into four main categories:

• Cause

• Cure

• Care

• Prevention

Why is our research programme unique?

Alzheimer's Society is the only funding body that works with people with dementia and carers to select the best dementia research projects for funding. Together they form the Research Network.

The Research Network involves 225 volunteers who work with leading scientists to set our research agenda, award grants and assess outcomes. This unique involvement ensures Alzheimer's Society only funds research that could have the biggest impact on people's lives.

We have recently completed an exercise to identify challenges facing primary carers for people with dementia, which we hope may stimulate research in these areas that is relevant to the needs of people with dementia and their carers.

Alzheimer's Society is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). Full details of our research strategy and compliance with the AMRC Guidelines for Good Research Practice are available for download.