Researchers funded by Bristol-based charity BRACE Dementia Research have developed a potential new gene therapy for Alzheimer’s. Dr Kemp and his research team at the University of Bristol have been able to convert the high-risk Alzheimer’s gene, APOE4, into the lower-risk APOE3 gene. By targeting these genes, the hope is that the therapy could prevent…

BRACE Dementia Research was saddened to hear that Stephanie Cole MBE, actor and BRACE ambassador, died from Alzheimer’s disease on Friday 18th September 2026. Our thoughts are with her loved ones. Stephanie passionately believed in dementia research. She showed her support for BRACE through speaking at events and helping to raise the charity’s profile. She…

This week we’d like to celebrate one of our amazing fundraisers, Scott. A dedicated runner from Plymouth, Scott has completed 59 marathons, including all eight World Majors. He’s raised thousands of pounds for charity through his years as a dedicated runner and fundraiser, and this November, Scott is putting on his running shoes once again and completing his 60th marathon with Athens Marathon in support of BRACE. Scott’s…

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has spoken openly about the impact Alzheimer’s disease has had on his own family, revealing that his father, who is living with the condition, is unaware that his son has become Prime Minister. Speaking about his personal experience, Burnham described the emotional realities of dementia while highlighting the urgent need to…

The South West Dementia Brain Bank (SWDBB) has stepped up to become the UK’s Lead Centre for the Brains for Dementia Research (BDR) project, further strengthening its role in advancing dementia research.  In 2007, the Brains for Dementia Research project was established as a UK-wide network spanning six centres across England and Wales.    Through the project, people with and without dementia are followed over time by…

BRACE funded PhD student, Oliver Hermann recently completed his studies and has been awarded his doctorship. Congratulations to Dr Hermann.  During his PhD, Oliver undertook research at the University of Bath, which was led by Dr George Stothart, into the early Alzheimer’s test, Fastball. A key focus of his PhD was investigating the Fastball test as a means to potentially diagnosis…

Thank you to the Bristol Masons’ Charity for their generous donation of £2,000 to support innovative research, at the University of Bristol, looking into sleep patterns and earlier dementia diagnosis. By studying sleep patterns, the researchers hope to be able to predict patients at the highest risk of developing dementia in later life. It is…

In 2025, for every £1 raised 76p was spent on our charitable aims to understand the causes of dementia, develop earlier diagnosis tools and better treatments; and to educate the public.  Last year, BRACE funded over £1 million in research – the largest sum in the charity’s history. That milestone was only possible because of…

As temperatures rise across the UK, people living with dementia may be more vulnerable to the heat and require extra care. Dementia can affect a person’s ability to recognise when they are thirsty, feel too hot, or communicate that they are uncomfortable, making them more vulnerable during periods of warm weather. Keep an eye out…

Dementia Action Week 2026 was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness & spark conversations to highlight the importance of dementia research. This year, BRACE focused on the theme ‘Let’s Talk Dementia’, encouraging people to open up conversations about dementia & challenge the stigma. Running for Research Dementia Action Week began with a celebration of our…