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.
People diagnosed with PCA, and other types of dementia can take part in research studies. People living with dementia have a vital role to play in helping scientists understand more about diseases like Alzheimer's, and to test new treatments, therapies and methods of diagnosis. Find more information about taking part in research here.
You can register to find out which research studies you may be suitable to take part in via Join Dementia 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.

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