A leading dementia research charity launched an online virtual lab today giving Manchester families of those with the condition an insight into the research and treatments available.
More than 4,000 people in Manchester are living with dementia and the website, which provides an interactive journey through a photo-realistic laboratory with videos and posters, explains how different types of research are trying to tackle the progressive illness.
University of Manchester dementia scientist Professor Stuart Pickering-Brown is currently researching how a person’s genetic make-up could affect their risk of dementia.
He said: “The word ‘research’ often makes people think of microscopes and test tubes, but there is far more to dementia research than that.
“It seems that almost everyone I meet has been affected by dementia in some way and people are always so fascinated to know what we are doing in our laboratory.
“The Lab is a really innovative way for people to see for themselves the kind of work we do, why it is important and how it fits in with other kinds of research going on into dementia.”
Carol Franklin-Adams explored The Lab with her husband Patrick, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2003.
She said: “When Patrick was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we felt completely lost. Your first instinct is to collect as much information as possible.
“Sadly, by finding out more we learnt that there were no effective treatments to slow Alzheimer’s and so we became interested in supporting research. I had no idea about research into dementia, apart from the headlines I read in the paper, so the lab is a great way to learn more.
“The fact that we can have this experience in our own home means that we can sit together and see how our support can help others in the future. It is really inspiring.”
For further information visit the lab at www.dementialab.org
Picture courtesy of _Ricky, with thanks.
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