News

We are delighted to announce that Dr John Pounsford MD FRCP has joined the Trustees of BRACE. John recently retired as a consultant geriatrician at Southmead Hospital. He has a special interest in lung disease in the elderly. He had an interest in medical management and was Clinical Director of Medicine at North Bristol for…

On Sunday 26th July, The Great Day Choir – a fabulous daytime ladies pop choir based in Bristol and Bath, took part in an online Choir Show to raise funds for BRACE. The event showcased choirs from across the UK and it was a roaring musical success, with a wide range of well-known and lesser…

BRACE’s founder, Dr Brandon Lush, was born today on 31st July, 1920 and he is now officially 100 years old! We would like to wish Brandon a very happy birthday today, with today, of all days being that extra bit special. BRACE was found by Dr Brandon and Professor Gordon Wilcox on 24th September 1987,…

BRACE is proud to announce we have awarded a £140,000 grant to ensure the future work of the South West Dementia Brain Bank (SWDBB). The SWDBB is one of the most important facilities supporting dementia research in the country and it will continue its help in the fight against the disease thanks to the award.…

BRACE has certainly had a big impact over the years! Now during Small Charity Week, 15th -20th June, it feels only right that we shout about BRACE’s successes. BRACE really is a small charity, with just six members of staff running the charity, with its office based in pre-pandemic times – in the Bristol Brain…

We were sad to learn of the death of one of our founding Trustees, the Rev Canon John Rogan. John, who would have been 92 this month, was one of four people appointed as Trustees when BRACE was launched in September 1987. The others were Professor Gordon Wilcock, Dr Brandon Lush and the late David…

It has long been known that disrupted sleep can increase the risk of dementia and anecdotal evidence suggests COVID-19 anxiety is having a detrimental effect on sleep.  A new UK-wide study led by academics at the University of Bristol will focus on how the current lockdown is affecting sleep in older people with and without…

The cancellation of all mass participation events has massively affected BRACE’s ability to raise funds for research. BRACE has joined in the 2.6 challenge, launching on the 26th April to highlight our home heroes and raise valuable funds for Dementia Research Justgiving and Virgin MoneyGiving are working with charities and mass event organisers to coordinate a…

By Rebecca Pracownik and Natalie Rosewell, Cognitive Disorders Specialist Nurses (photo taken before social distancing measures were introduced). Whilst the face of the Bristol Brain Centre is changing in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Cognitive Disorders Clinic continues to support large numbers of people with cognitive difficulties.  All face to face activity has needed to cease…

BRACE has been offering PhD studentships since the early 90s to committed talented dementia researchers. Over 35 PhDs have been funded thus far, to ensure the future of dementia research. Additionally, BRACE has also offered funding to many research projects, supporting many researchers to achieve their PhDs. The researchers of not just today, but also…