Comment: A shift in medical research priorities is needed to meet the challenge of fighting dementia say researchers. The University of Reading's Dr Laurie Butler says diet, lifestyle and effective partnerships crucial
Release Date 21 May 2014
Dr Laurie Butler, Head of the University's School of School of Psychology & Clinical Language Science, said:
"Dementia is an incurable disease and ultimately leaves people needing full-time care as brain function wastes away. With the number of those affected by dementia set to triple over the next 30 years it's vital we examine all research approaches if the UK is going to fulfil Jeremy Hunt's promise of transforming the country into a ‘global leader' in fighting dementia.
"Our new Berkshire Memory & Cognition Research Centre is allowing University of Reading experts to continue conducting crucial research into how diet and lifestyle can affect dementia. For example, recent Reading studies have shown that that consuming foodstuffs containing high levels of compounds called flavonoids, such as blueberries, could help delay the onset of degenerative brain disorders such as dementia.
"The Centre also brings together experts from the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and charities such as age concern. Close partnerships are crucial if we are to tackle this debilitating disease effectively."