IoP Alzheimer's disease Open Day

On Saturday 18 March the Institute of Psychiatry (IoP) opened its doors to 150 members of the public to showcase cutting edge dementia research at the Institute's seventh Alzheimer's disease Open Day. 

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and affects around 820,000 people in the UK.  People travelled from across the country for a rare opportunity to see first hand the work the Institute does and meet the scientists who do it. 

Visitors toured 12 dedicated research 'stations' including brain imaging, biomarkers, genetics, brain donation, memory, gum disease and clinical trials.  They were able to talk to researchers throughout the day asking questions and exchanging ideas.  At the end of the day visitors put questions to a panel of experts chaired by Professor Simon Lovestone, Director of the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health.  

Dr John Powell, Reader in Genetics at the IoP, who organised the event, said:  "This annual event is very important to us as it brings researchers together with patients and carers and offers both a unique insight into this devastating disease. My thanks go to the 70 Institute staff who gave up their Saturday for this special event, without whom the Open Day would not be possible."

The Alzheimer’s disease Open Day is co-hosted by Alzheimer’s Research UK whose Director of Research, Dr Simon Ridley attended and presented at the day.  To view videos of the 2011 Alzheimer's Open Day, please click here.