A Gathering of Minds to Combat Dementia:
Today, over 944,000 individuals in the UK suffer from dementia. By 2040, this number is projected to exceed 1.4 million, according to Dr. Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, the foremost charity in the UK dedicated to revolutionising the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease which causes the symptoms of dementia.
Alarming Statistics and Regional Impact
In England, Liverpool and its greater city region rank as the second worst affected area, as stated by Adrian Evans, Director of Sales at ACC Liverpool. The conference hosted in this city highlights both the severity of the issue in the region and the commitment to finding a solution.
Innovative Conference Activities
Using the VisitBritain Business Events ‘BE Impactful Framework’, Evans and Emma Robson – Head of Events at the registered charity in Cambridge – orchestrated a pre-event workshop following the #MEET4IMPACT-devised Capitals Theory. This workshop led to the creation of three impactful conference activities designed to foster connections between local and international scientific communities in search of a cure, advance public engagement and awareness in pursuit of prevention, and a fundraising ‘Walk for A Cure’.
Scales: All people with dementia need effective treatment and early diagnosis.
Connecting Scientific Communities
One of the key activities was aimed at connecting local and international scientific communities, with a special emphasis on women in neuroscience and the charity’s Early Careers Researchers Program. This initiative seeks to drive innovation in research by bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront of scientific discourse.
Public Engagement and Awareness
Another significant part of the conference was the programme entitled ‘Our Wonderful Brains’. This initiative aimed to accelerate public engagement and awareness about dementia through interactive sessions and educational outreach. It served as a platform to enlighten the public on the complexities of the human brain, behavioural changes which can increase prevention of the disease, and the ongoing research efforts to combat dementia.
Walk for a Cure
Culminating the event was a 5K ‘Walk for a Cure’, held 3 months post-conference, which supported Alzheimer’s Research UK’s £35.3 million contribution to over 140 research projects across three continents. This walk not only raised funds but also symbolized the collective effort and hope for a future without dementia.
A Grand Opening and Local Impact
The walk was ceremoniously opened by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, 71-year-old Councillor Richard Kemp CBE. He expressed his deep concern for the growing number of dementia sufferers in and around Liverpool, which currently stands at 32,000. His presence underscored the local government’s commitment to addressing this pressing health issue in partnership with the charity.
Impressions and Outcomes
Dr. Scales expressed her admiration for the partnership with ACC Liverpool, which successfully aligned the needs of the organisation with those of the local research and dementia-affected communities. This collaboration, meticulously devised by Robson and Evans, proved to be immensely beneficial.
“It was a truly inspiring series of purposeful events, convening the best national and international scientific communities doing dementia research around new innovations that would leave a lasting legacy, a handprint and positive impact on the local community”, she said.
Looking Forward
The Alzheimer’s Research UK 2024 Conference in Liverpool stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the fight against dementia. The concerted efforts of scientists, local authorities, and the public have set a precedent for future collaborations, ensuring that the strides made in research will continue to grow and benefit those affected by dementia both in the UK and around the world.
As the conference concluded, the sense of unity and determination among the participants was palpable. The event not only highlighted the critical need for ongoing research and support but also demonstrated the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.
The optimism and enthusiasm generated by the conference are expected to fuel further advancements in dementia research, bringing us closer to the ultimate goal of a world free from the devastating impact of dementia.
The Conference heads to Birmingham later this month at ICC Birmingham, 25-26th February 2025.
Further reading:
Learn more about the VisitBritain BE Impactful Framework
Visit the Alzheimer’s Research UK website
Visit the ACC Liverpool website