Research and Innovation

What causes dementia and who does it affect?

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer – 1 in 3 people born today will develop the condition.

The word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. 

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. It is caused when a disease damages nerve cells in the brain. 

As more nerve cells become damaged, the brain becomes less able to work properly.

Dementia can be caused by many different diseases which affect the brain in different ways, resulting in different types of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type, and vascular dementia is the next most common.

How Alzheimer’s Society helps

We are the UK’s leading dementia charity. For over 40 years, we have been a powerful force for change, improving the lives of people living with dementia.

We fund groundbreaking research, give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives and campaign to make dementia the priority it should be.

We have been at the forefront of science and research, backing the world’s brightest minds and funding life-changing breakthroughs.

We want a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

To achieve this, we’re working to ensure that:

• diagnosis is accurate and timely
• dementia research is a priority
• new treatments are available in GP surgeries
• dementia is a priority for governments
• the cost of dementia is affordable for all
• support is easily accessible from day one
• no one is left to face dementia alone.

Dementia research and innovation projects

We’re funding some of the world’s brightest minds in research to find the breakthrough treatments and therapies people living with dementia desperately need. 

Meanwhile, dementia innovation will revolutionise diagnosis and treatment to ensure that everyone affected by the condition has increased choice, access to timely care and support and an improved quality and control over their life. Our ambition is to provide a product or solution for everyone, at every stage of dementia.

Find out more about some of our research and innovation projects below.