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Someone alive today could be the first one cured of Alzheimer's.
Thanks to research, a cure for Alzheimer’s is in sight. Only research will get us there, faster.
As the largest UK charity dedicated solely to dementia research, everything we do is moving us closer to a cure.
We’re spreading this message with our new film, The First One, voiced by acclaimed actor and writer, Aimee Lou Wood.
The film shows how the first one to be cured of Alzheimer’s disease could be in any crowd and from any walk of life.
Among the people featured in the campaign film are individuals who have been personally impacted by dementia, scientists working to find a cure, and passionate supporters who are backing the charity and its vital work.
Almost one million people are currently living with dementia in the UK, and this could rise to 1.4 million by 2040.
If nothing changes, one in two people in the UK will be directly affected by dementia in their lifetime – either by developing the condition themselves, caring for someone with it, or both.
The campaign launches at a time when dementia research is at a turning point, sparked by the arrival of the first treatments to slow the disease process of Alzheimer’s.
More than 190 trials are currently underway testing potential new medicines for their ability to slow or stop the disease. And a blood test that could revolutionise Alzheimer’s diagnosis is expected before 2030.
As well as a potential cure for Alzheimer’s disease, other life-changing breakthroughs are on the horizon, including faster ways to diagnose, and progress in the search for cures for other forms of dementia.
Hilary Evans-Newton CBE, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “The idea that someone alive today could become the first person cured of Alzheimer’s disease would have seemed unimaginable not long ago. Today, thanks to decades of research, it’s a future we know is within reach.”
She added: “A cure is in sight, but only research will deliver it. At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we are dedicated to accelerating this progress to get us there faster.”
Watch and share our new film, The First One, and help get to a cure faster.
Think Brain Health
There are simple steps we can all take to support our brain health.
Many factors shape our brain health and influence our risk of developing dementia. While age and genetics are beyond our control, research suggests that up to 45% of dementia cases are linked to lifestyle choices we can influence – like what we eat and how we challenge our brains.
Not sure where to start? Take the Think Brain Health Check-in and receive a personalised report to help you show your brain some love.