What we do

BRACE is an important charity with a unique role, founded in 1987 by people whose families were affected by the disease. The charity was drumming up support and funding research at a time when dementia was still considered an inevitable part of ageing.

We are a regional charity, supporting researchers in South West England and South Wales. However, research funded in the region often supports research based elsewhere in the world.

When breakthroughs in research happen, the location of the research is considered less important, as the findings benefit the whole human race – anyone, anywhere who might one day develop dementia.

Our four aims:

• To understand what causes dementia in its various forms.
• To achieve earlier more accurate diagnosis of dementia.
• To find new and more powerful treatments, and ultimately a cure.
• To educate by sharing dementia research and knowledge with the public.

Where is research funded?

The charity funds world-class research at seven key research institutions in England and Wales and also supports research in the Bristol Brain Centre and South West Dementia Brain Bank.

• University of Bath
• University of Bristol
• University of Cardiff
• University of Exeter
• University of Plymouth
• University of Swansea
• University of The West of England (UWE)

Our policy of funding research only within a region of the UK is a sensible policy for a charity which does not have the financial or staff resources of the big or national funders. It has also enabled the charity to build a strong network of research across this part of the country.

Types of research funded

BRACE supports pilot projects, PhD studentships, the South West Dementia Brain Bank and a Dementia Research Nurse.

The charity often funds pilot projects and other initiatives that fall outside the policy guidelines of other funders but that can and do offer breakthroughs. In recent years, a BRACE-funded pilot project called Fastball, an early Alzheimer's test, has attracted national and international funding following key breakthroughs.

BRACE also provides core costs for key clinical and laboratory teams in Bristol, such as the South West Dementia Brain Bank, helping to create the stability that long-term success depends on.

Areas of research

Research into all forms of dementia is supported, including Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, (FTD) and vascular dementia.
BRACE also supports research in areas related to dementia including traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), young-onset dementia, dementia in Parkinson’s and dementia related to Huntington’s disease.

BRACE Impact

Since 2000 the charity has:

• Funded more than £12 million pounds of research.
• Contributed to more than 140 different projects
• Supported more than 50 PhD students
• Invested £600,000 to enable the Bristol Brain Centre to be built.
• Funded a Dementia Research Nurse
• Provided core support to the South West Dementia Brain Bank since 1987

Further information can also be found on the: BRACE page on the Charity Commission website.

Last updated January 2026