Alzheimer’s Research UK has funded £437,000 of research into posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) and were one of the first charities to invest consistently in this important area of research.

Alzheimer’s Research UK helped to fund the largest genetic study of PCA to date. The researchers found several genes that may influence a person’s risk of PCA, some of which had previously been linked to Alzheimer’s. You can’t be tested for these risk genes on the NHS because many only have a small effect on risk. However, their discovery is helping researchers understand more about why some people develop PCA.

We have now funded over £64 million of pioneering research to help advance the understanding of all types of dementia, discovering new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat the diseases that cause dementia.

Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, we are challenging the way people think about dementia, and investing in research to make breakthroughs possible.

What is posterior cortical atrophy?

Find out more about the symptoms and causes of posterior cortical atrophy, and the treatments currently available.

Download booklet
pca-side-bar

Research projects

Using brain scans to investigate changes in the brain over time

Prof Nick Fox and Prof Jon Schott are studying brain scans to investigate changes in the brain over time in a longitudinal amyloid-PET/MRI study of the 1946 birth cohort.

Alzheimer’s disease / Dementia with Lewy bodies / Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease / Frontotemporal dementia / Posterior cortical atrophy / Vascular dementia

Treating hearing loss in people at a high risk of dementia

Researchers at the University College London are developing a pilot trial to ensure people with hearing loss and mild cognitive dementia start and continue to use hearing aids. They will follow-up to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing the risk of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease / Dementia with Lewy bodies / Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease / Frontotemporal dementia / Posterior cortical atrophy / Primary progressive aphasia / Vascular dementia

Looking into head injury and dementia

Research at Imperial College London is exploring the link between head injury and dementia

Alzheimer’s disease / Dementia with Lewy bodies / Frontotemporal dementia / Posterior cortical atrophy / Primary progressive aphasia

Can we reduce the risk of dementia in the over 75’s?

Researchers at the University of Cambridge are exploring an whether an internet based intervention could encourage healthy lifestyle changes in people aged over 75, who are at a higher risk of developing dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease / Dementia with Lewy bodies / Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease / Frontotemporal dementia / Posterior cortical atrophy / Primary progressive aphasia / Vascular dementia

Can we get higher risk adults to eat well and exercise?

Researchers at the University of East Anglia are exploring the effects of exercise and Mediterranean style diet on dementia risk

Alzheimer’s disease / Dementia with Lewy bodies / Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease / Frontotemporal dementia / Posterior cortical atrophy / Primary progressive aphasia

Building a tool to predict dementia risk

Researchers at the University of Manchester are developing a tool that could be used to identify people who would benefit from early preventative measures and develop personalised information to help individuals reduce their risk of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease / Dementia with Lewy bodies / Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease / Frontotemporal dementia / Posterior cortical atrophy / Primary progressive aphasia / Vascular dementia

Was this information helpful?

Let us know what you think by filling out this short survey.

Complete the survey
infoline-sidebar

Dementia Research Infoline

Want to know more about current research? Keen to get involved in research projects?

Contact the Dementia Research Infoline,

9am-5pm, Monday to Friday

0300 111 5 111

infoline@alzheimersresearchuk.org