Alzheimer’s Research UK has funded more than £17.9 million of pioneering research to help advance our understanding of vascular dementia.
People diagnosed with vascular dementia, 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 dementia, 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 has funded more than £4.3 million of pioneering research to help advance our understanding of vascular dementia.
We’ve funded over 67 research projects, including studies to investigate how blood vessels can become damaged in the brain and how this damage causes the symptoms seen in vascular dementia. Our scientists are also working to develop new ways of preventing and diagnosing vascular dementia.
Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, we’re challenging the way people think about dementia, and investing in research to make breakthroughs possible.
What is vascular dementia?
This booklet aims to help you understand more about vascular dementia. It gives an overview of the causes, symptoms and treatments.

Research projects
Why do blood vessels function differently after a stroke?
Researchers at the University of Oxford are investigating how messages from brain cells change our blood vessels behaviour and increase the risk of dementia following stroke.
Using data from brain donations to investigate the impact of multiple underlying causes of dementia
Use information from the Brains for Dementia Research Programme to find out which disease combinations lead to a more rapid decline of memory and thinking skills.
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.
Understanding the link between wellbeing and brain function in dementia
Researchers will analyse data from large-scale studies and databases to understand the link between wellbeing and brain function decline in dementia.
Understanding the link between sport and dementia risk
This project will review the current evidence around the benefits and risks of sport and, through collaboration with stakeholders in research, clinicians, and sporting bodies, define future research priorities in this space.
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.
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Dementia Research Infoline
Want to know more about dementia? Questions about dementia research?
Contact the Dementia Research Infoline:
9am-5pm, Monday to Friday
0300 111 5 111