The South West Dementia Brain Bank (SWDBB) has stepped up to become the UK’s Lead Centre for the Brains for Dementia Research (BDR) project, further strengthening its role in advancing dementia research. 

In 2007, the Brains for Dementia Research project was established as a UK-wide network spanning six centres across England and Wales.   

Through the project, people with and without dementia are followed over time by specialist clinical staff, building a detailed picture of their cognitive health during life alongside brain donation for research. This creates an exceptionally valuable long-term resource, giving researchers access to both brain tissue and years of clinical data to better understand dementia.  

BRACE has provided significant funding to the SWDBB since 1987, including funding for Dr Laura Palmer, the SWDBB manager, and two key members of her team.  

While this project is being led by Alzheimer’s Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society the SWDBB is in a great position to take the lead on this project, in part, thanks to years of BRACE support. 

Prof. Patrick Kehoe (SWDBB director) and Dr Palmer will take the reins of this initiative as BDR director and BDR deputy director respectively.   

In the last 5 years alone, the SWDBB has provided 36,189 samples to researchers within the UK and beyond, enabling thousands of dementia research projects to take place.  

BRACE CEO Liberty Harrison says:  

“This is an exciting opportunity for the SWDBB, and we are pleased to see the work at the bank and Dr Palmer’s expertise being recognised through this new role and standing. Understanding the causes, developing new diagnostics and treatments for dementia is central in the fight against dementia and brain banks plays a significant role in these efforts.”  

Dr Laura Palmer adds:  

“Professor Kehoe and I welcome this exciting new opportunity for the SWDBB to build on the years of BDR's collaborative success, drive innovation, and deliver meaningful, lasting research impact. We look forward to working more closely with brain bank colleagues nationally and working together to increase the awareness of dementia and the importance of brain donation.”