BRACE Alzheimer's Research

Bristol Masons’ support innovative research

Nikola Scanlon — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:56:34 +0000

Thank you to the Bristol Masons’ Charity for their generous donation of £2,000 to support innovative research, at the University of Bristol, looking into sleep patterns and earlier dementia diagnosis.

By studying sleep patterns, the researchers hope to be able to predict patients at the highest risk of developing dementia in later life. It is hoped that this will allow doctors to support those at high-risk of developing dementia to take measures to improve their brain health.

Currently, there are more than 5,000 people living with dementia in Bristol and with an ageing population this number is set to rise. Having dementia risk insight, years before the condition starts, could be a game-changer in the fight against dementia.

The Bristol Masons' have said:

"Proceeds from the investment of legacies left by Bristol Masons' enable the BMsC to make donations to a broad spectrum of charities working in Bristol.

The horrifying growth of dementia in our society makes the work undertaken by BRACE as essential as that of any of the charities with whom we are involved.

We are therefore delighted to be able to support the research being undertaken by Bristol University."

BRACE Dementia Research CEO, Liberty Harrison adds:

“The Bristol Masons’ Charity support has enabled world class dementia research to take place in Bristol.

Sadly, 1 in 2 people born today will be affected by dementia in their lifetime, thanks to the Bristol Masons we are getting closer to finding ways to delay or even prevent the condition.”

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76p in every £1 made breakthroughs possible

Jed Eldridge — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:49:45 +0000

In 2025, for every £1 raised 76p was spent on our charitable aims to understand the causes of dementia, develop earlier diagnosis tools and better treatments; and to educate the public.

Last year, BRACE funded over £1 million in research - the largest sum in the charity's history. That milestone was only possible because of supporters like you. Thank you for your incredible support.

From the development of an at-home early dementia test to funding innovative research into gut hormones, the menopause, and creating new models to test drugs; your support is helping to make breakthroughs possible.

Every pound you donated last year really made a huge difference, thank you. Together we will defeat dementia.

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Supporting people with dementia during hot weather

Jed Eldridge — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:18:56 +0000

As temperatures rise across the UK, people living with dementia may be more vulnerable to the heat and require extra care. Dementia can affect a person's ability to recognise when they are thirsty, feel too hot, or communicate that they are uncomfortable, making them more vulnerable during periods of warm weather.

Keep an eye out for any signs of heat exhaustion, and don’t hesitate to seek help if something doesn’t feel right.

Stay Hydrated

People living with dementia may not always recognise the signs of thirst or remember to drink regularly. Encourage frequent drinks throughout the day and offer water, squash or other hydrating drinks. Foods with a high water content, such as fruit, can also help maintain hydration.

Dress for the Weather

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colours to help keep cool. If spending time outdoors, a wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection from the sun.

Keep Cool Indoors

Try to keep living spaces as cool as possible during the hottest parts of the day. Close curtains or blinds in rooms exposed to direct sunlight and use fans where appropriate to help circulate cooler air.

Look Out for Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Hot weather can increase the risk of heat exhaustion. Symptoms may include:

Confusion or increased disorientation
Dizziness
Headaches
Nausea
Excessive tiredness

If you notice any of these symptoms, move the person to a cooler place, encourage fluids and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Remember Sun Protection

If heading outdoors, apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply regularly, particularly after sweating. Whenever possible, stay in shaded areas and avoid spending long periods in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

Extra Care During Hot Weather

People living with dementia can be more vulnerable to the effects of heat, so it's important to check in regularly and monitor how they are feeling. A little extra support can go a long way in helping them stay safe and comfortable throughout the summer.

If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and seek medical advice. Early action can help prevent more serious heat-related illnesses.

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Dementia Action Week 2026

Jed Eldridge — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:46:48 +0000

Dementia Action Week 2026 was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness & spark conversations to highlight the importance of dementia research.

This year, BRACE focused on the theme 'Let's Talk Dementia', encouraging people to open up conversations about dementia & challenge the stigma.

Running for Research

Dementia Action Week began with a celebration of our incredible runners who took part in the Great Bristol Run. Together, our Bristol 10k and Half Marathon runners raised an amazing £9,920 for vital dementia research.

Among them was BRACE runner Scott, who raised more than £1,000 and shared his motivation for taking on the challenge:

"I chose to run for BRACE because dementia has affected people close to me, so it felt meaningful to support research that could make a difference in the future. Completing the Great Bristol Run was an amazing feeling — tough at times, but the support from the crowds and knowing I was running for such an important cause kept me going."

Every story shared, every penny raised, and every runner taking on a challenge helps raise awareness of dementia and the urgent need for more research.

Taking the Conversation into Workplaces

BRACE CEO, Liberty Harrison, visited Computershare's Bristol office and joined their international team online to share the latest in dementia research, tips for good brain health, and practical advice for anyone supporting a loved one living with dementia.

Most importantly, we're encouraging everyone to keep talking. Because awareness matters. Knowing what research is underway, what support is available, and that you don’t have to navigate this alone can make a real difference.

Thank you to Computershare for opening the door to this important conversation.

Let's Talk Dementia

The week concluded with our annual Let's Talk Dementia event. It was a fantastic day at the Bristol Beacon, filled with insightful talks, engaging activities, and meaningful conversations about dementia.

From expert speakers and creative sessions to moments of connection and community support, it was inspiring to see so many people come together, all passionate about advancing dementia research, care, and understanding.

We’re incredibly proud to have brought this event to life alongside Bristol Dementia Action Alliance and Alive Activities.

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BRACE receives £8,500 boost

Nikola Scanlon — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:12:00 +0000

BRACE Dementia Research has received an incredible £8,500 donation from Bath & North East Somerset Council thanks to their involvement in a recycling scheme.

The council receives income from the not-for-profit Recycling of Metals Scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).

With the consent of relatives, members of the scheme collect common metal objects from cremators such as medical pins and metal plates for recycling, the money raised is shared by with ICCM members for distribution among charities.

Liberty Harrison, Interim CEO of BRACE and Head of Fundraising said:

"Dementia sadly touches the lives of far too many people, robbing loved ones of those dearest to them. For decades it was assumed that dementia is an inevitable part of ageing, but it is not. Now, we are at a tipping point of real progress and that has only been possible because of generous donations like this one."

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community, said: “Families who have consented to this scheme have made a real difference to their communities. Thank you for turning a thoughtful decision at an upsetting time into vital support for local charities.”

A special thank you to the families who agreed to be involved in this scheme and to Bath & North East Somerset Council for supporting dementia research.

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£11,000+ raised by Team BRACE at London Marathon

Jed Eldridge — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:11:27 +0000

A whopping £11,225 was raised (including Gift Aid) at the London Marathon by our inspiring #TeamBRACE runners.

Thank you so much for your amazing fundraising efforts. Training for a marathon is no easy challenge, and to do this while raising vital funds for dementia research is an incredible achievement.

Your dedication and generosity will help fund life-changing dementia research. From all of us at BRACE, thank you and congratulations on such an outstanding achievement!

Emilie ran for BRACE in the 2026 London Marathon:

"My first marathon, you were a dream! One year ago I attempted to go out for a run to try and lift the dark clouds of medical menopause, brought on by my endometriosis medication. I couldn't even finish two miles and spent most of it walking and if you would have told me one year later I'd be running 26 miles, I would have never of believed you.

Running has lifted those grey clouds more than I could have imagined. I've made so many new friends and the most important thing, I've been able to raise nearly £3000 for the incredible BRACE Dementia Research in memory of my Nan, Elaine. During the marathon people next to me started cheering for a runner called Elaine, the crowd literally erupted and it felt like a sign that she really was there with me."

Click here to watch Emilie's London Marathon vlog.

Fancy taking on a similar challenge? There are opportunities all year round to race for BRACE and help support dementia research.

Whether you’re taking on a 10k or going the distance in a full marathon, we have a range of race options to suit all abilities. Click the button below to find the perfect race for you.

Race for BRACE

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£100k awarded to Swansea researchers developing gut hormone dementia treatment

Nikola Scanlon — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:12:03 +0000

BRACE has awarded Swansea University researchers £102,949 to investigate a stomach hormone's role in a potential new dementia treatment.

The funding has been awarded to Prof Jeff Davies and will be used to support a PhD student who will work alongside Prof Davies to conduct laboratory research into ghrelin, a stomach hormone best known for regulating appetite. The hormone also plays a role in the brain's immune system. The team will pursue the positive benefits of ghrelin in the hope of developing a dementia treatment.

Why is the stomach hormone important?

Ghrelin exists in two forms; one has positive effects and the other negative effects on the brain. The first, known as acylated ghrelin, is protective and encourages new brain cells and reduces inflammation. The second, unacylated ghrelin works against these benefits. It blocks the positive effects of acylated ghrelin and has been found to impair memory function – a key symptom in Alzheimer’s disease.

Crucially, higher levels of unacylated ghrelin have been found in people with Parkinson's disease dementia, suggesting this may play a direct role in cognitive decline and in dementia.

What will the research involve?

Building on findings from a previous BRACE-funded pilot project, the researchers will investigate ways to increase the ‘good ghrelin’ through a targeted drug pathway.

Prof Davies and his PhD student, Jessica Stoneman, will use donated immune cells from people that have different types of dementia, such as Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s with dementia.

They will study the immune cells to see how each type of ghrelin affects brain health before testing a drug-like molecule that the team has already developed.

The ‘drug’ encourages acylated ghrelin's brain protective properties and if positive results are found in the immune cells with dementia, it is hoped that this approach could create a new treatment pathway to reduce brain inflammation and treat dementia.

Prof Jeff Davies from Swansea University says:

“There are very few treatments for dementia because we do not fully understand the condition. This additional funding offers the team the chance to build on the research we have previously conducted into gut hormones and further investigate how they interact with immune cells and affect brain health. We hope this research will help take us one step closer to achieving new drugs and treatments for people living with dementia.”

Liberty Harrison, Interim CEO of BRACE Dementia Research says:

“Prof Jeff Davies’ innovative approach could result in a novel way of tackling dementia. While progress is being made in the fight against dementia, more meaningful treatments cannot come soon enough. Thank you to our supporters for making this research possible."

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A second chance for the NHS to use early Alzheimer’s drugs?

Nikola Scanlon — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:56:41 +0000

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will review, for a second time, NHS use of the early Alzheimer's drugs, lecanemab and donanemab. The breakthrough drugs, which are the first in the world to be disease-modifying, were rejected for NHS patient use due to the high cost, in 2025.

However, they have been licensed for private use since 2024, this means that for patients who can afford to pay for them can receive them in a private hospital or private health care setting.

How do the Alzheimer’s drugs work?

In Alzheimer’s disease there is a build up of amyloid proteins which causes damage to the brain and brain cells.

Lecanemab and donanemab work by removing the protein build up from the brain. The drugs are given intravenously, through the arm, and this can drug can only be offered in a medical setting.

The drugs are disease-modifying, meaning they can slow down the condition for several months and improve the quality of life for the person living with Alzheimer’s. These drugs are not a cure.

Who can have the drugs?

In the UK, only people with a diagnosis of mild or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, who have high levels are amyloids, are eligible.

Some people living with Alzheimer’s, in the UK, have accessed the drugs by volunteering in clinical trials and others have paid privately for the drug.

What are the benefits?

Research shows that memory and thinking issues are reduced by around 27%-35% for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s/MCI.

BRACE CEO, Liberty Harrison shares:

“News that families affected by Alzheimer's may get a second chance at accessing early treatments on the NHS is very welcome. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia in the UK, and its cost to patients, families and society is far too high. Wider access to these disease-modifying treatments could give thousands of people a better quality of life for longer.”

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Team BRACE raises over £6,000 at Bath Half Marathon

Jed Eldridge — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:31:39 +0000

A huge congratulations to #TeamBRACE, who took on the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 15th March 2026, raising an incredible £6,200 (including Gift Aid) for dementia research, and counting.

Runners faced challenging conditions on the day, with wet and windy weather adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already demanding 13.1-mile course.

Thanks to their fundraising efforts, #TeamBRACE has already raised enough to fund 383 hours of vital dementia research. Every pound brought in will help support BRACE-funded studies into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia.

BRACE runner, Chris:

"This cause is close to my heart. My dad has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and my nan also suffered with dementia which is why taking on this challenge feels really worthwhile.

With 1 in 3 people born in the UK today expected to develop dementia, supporting research has never been more important.

I’m definitely not a natural runner, so training for a half marathon is proving to be… an adventure 😅 but knowing I’m running for something that truly matters makes every mile count."

Fancy taking on a similar challenge? There are opportunities all year round to race for BRACE and help support dementia research.

Whether you’re taking on a 10k or going the distance in a full marathon, we have a range of race options to suit all abilities. Click the button below to find the perfect race for you.

Race for BRACE

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World Sleep Day: How healthy is your sleep?

Jed Eldridge — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:36:28 +0000

This World Sleep Day (13th March), we are reminded just how important sleep is for brain health. Research suggests that sleep acts as a 'cleaning cycle' for the brain. During sleep, the brain uses the glymphatic system to flush out metabolic waste, including proteins such as amyloid-beta that build up during the day. These proteins are linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Sleep also plays a key role in memory and learning, helping the brain move information from short-term memory into longer-term storage. A nap as short as 6 minutes can help boost memory!

At BRACE, we have funded research projects to better understand how sleep and brain health are connected, and how improving sleep could help protect against dementia. In 2020, BRACE funded a PhD by Dr Chloe Tulip exploring the relationship between sleep and dementia. Below, Dr Tulip shares her top tips for improving your sleep and supporting better brain health.

Top Tips for Better Sleep

Wake Up at the Same Time Every Day (Yes, Even on Weekends)

Our bodies thrive on routine. Waking up at the same time daily, even on weekends, helps regulate your body clock so that you feel sleepy at the same time each evening. This consistency pays off in better sleep quality and even for heart health and blood pressure!

Be Cautious with Napping

Napping can interfere with your night-time sleep by reducing the sleep pressure needed to fall asleep easily in the evening. If you must nap, keep it short (around 20 minutes) to avoid entering deep sleep, which could disrupt your sleep cycle later.

Quality Over Quantity

The myth of needing 8 hours of sleep can add unnecessary stress. Most people do fine with about 7 hours, and it’s normal for sleep duration to vary. Focus on sleep quality rather than obsessing over the number of hours.

Listen to Your Body’s Sleep Signals

It’s tempting to go to bed when we’re tired in the hopes of falling asleep quickly, especially when we’re trying to stick to schedule. However, trying to force sleep when we’re not sleepy rarely works and can lead to frustration and anxiety. It’s common to confuse feeling tired with feeling sleepy. Tiredness means physical fatigue, your body needs rest. Sleepiness is drowsiness, it’s your brain signalling it’s ready for sleep. When you feel sleepy, ride the wave of sleepiness to bed!

Enjoy Your Evenings

If falling asleep is difficult, don’t despair. Use the time for relaxing activities that you enjoy but find slightly mundane. Whether it’s reading, drawing or doing puzzles view this time as ‘me time’ rather than something stressful.

Managing Stress

Anxiety and stress are common culprits behind sleep issues. Identifying the source of your stress and finding ways to manage it, such as through a worry journal or designated worry time, can be effective strategies for improving sleep.

Support your Rhythm!

Getting enough natural light, especially in the morning/early afternoon, helps regulate your sleep/wake cycle. Regular exercise, including a gentle walk, also strengthens this cycle. Both will make falling asleep and waking up easier.

Remember, sleep is a natural process and just like breathing, our bodies know how to do it instinctively. Although we may sometimes worry about it, sleep will never go away. If we keep to a consistent sleep routine, are flexible in our expectations of sleep and reduce the stress we place on ourselves to achieve perfect sleep, our bodies will naturally settle back into a sleep rhythm. Be patient when making changes to sleep, but trust in your body to do what it is designed to do, and your sleep will thank you for it.

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