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 for 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, its area of benefit is global, research funded in the region often supports research based elsewhere in the world.

When breakthroughs in research happen, the location of the research is less of a focus, such as in the case with the development of the early Alzheimer's drugs, as the benefit is far reaching.

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)

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 which are subsequently found to be worth every penny. It also provides core costs for key clinical and laboratory teams in Bristol, 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.

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 funders. It has also enabled us to help build up a strong network of research across this part of the country.

However, our area of benefit is the whole human race – anyone, anywhere who might one day develop dementia.

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

Last updated Oct 2024