Research achievements

Alzheimer's Society funds cutting-edge research into the cause, cure, care and prevention of dementia. So far we have funded over 100 research projects. Some of our achievements include:

Training of care staff reduces use of unlicensed drugs in care homes
Anti-psychotic drugs are dangerously over-prescribed to people with dementia and cause devastating side affects. Our research published in the British Medical Journal showed that specialist dementia training can improve quality of life and reduce the need for antipsychotics by 50%. More about this research

Ginkgo biloba does not help people with dementia
Small studies had previously suggested that Ginkgo biloba could improve memory in people with dementia. This was one of the longest and most rigorous trials on Ginkgo biloba, and the results clearly show that there was no beneficial effect. More about this research

Researchers develop a model of Alzheimer's disease to test new drugs
Scientists have produced a model of Alzheimer's disease in fruit flies. This model will be used to test the effects of new drugs, and to analyse whether circumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, could benefit people with Alzheimer's. More about this research

A new clinical trial into treatment regimes to prevent dementia after stroke
This important new clinical trial is investigating how drugs that are currently prescribed to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure could be used to prevent dementia after a stroke. More about this research

National Dementia Strategy for England
The National Dementia Strategy for England was announced in February 2009. Alzheimer's Society worked closely with the government to advise on the strategy and continues to campaign for more investment in dementia research.

Recent news

Recently funded research
October 2009
Alzheimer's Society currently invests £6 million in dementia research. In October 2009 we funded five new project grants. Earlier inthe year we also funded one dissemination grant and one fellowship grant. More about newly funded research

Recently completed research

• Research finds link between infection and memory loss (September 2009)
  

A study led by Dr Clive Holmes showed that people with Alzheimer's disease who have a common infection such as a urinary tract infection experience faster cognitive decline  More about this research

• Research into driving with dementia (October 2009)
  

A study by Professor Nadina Lincoln worked with people with dementia and the DVLA to begin to compile evidence to advise on how best to assess fitness to drive in people with dementia. More about this research