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On 10th September, I’m running the GreatNorth Run as Deano the Dementiasaurus to raise money for Alzheimer’sResearch UK. I would be really grateful if you could sponsor me and helpto drive dementia to extinction!
This will be Deano’s fourth marathon, after raising over£1000 for dementia research through completing the Cardiff, Liverpool and Swanseahalf marathons. However, with the Great North Run, Deano will be participatingin the biggest half marathon in the world, spreading his message among some60,000 other runners, as well as the spectators lining the streets ofNewcastle, and a live television audience.
Dementia is a collective name forprogressive degenerative brain syndromes which affect memory, thinking,behaviour, communication and emotion. Although each personwill experience dementia in their own way, eventually those affectedare unable to care for themselves and need help with all aspects of dailylife. This can transform the lives, not only of the dementia sufferer, butalso of their family and friends who care for them, in frightening and unpredictable ways.
Dementia is one of the fastest growing illnesses around the world. Worldwide, 47.5 million people have dementia and there are 7.7 million new cases every year. There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. At current rates, this will soar to 2 million by 2051.
Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal or inevitable part of ageing. However, despite various ways to prevent its onset, medicines to slow its progression and treat its symptoms, and support to manage living with the disease, there is currently no known cure for most types of dementia.
Alzheimer’s Research UK isthe UK’s leading dementia research charity, dedicatedto funding pioneering scientific studies to find ways to treat, cure orprevent dementia.As of 2015, Alzheimer's Research UK funds 127 researchprojects and has committed nearly £40m to dementia research.Specifically, current studies are employing cutting-edge stem cellresearch to look into what causes nerve cells to die and why. Donations are essential for Alzheimer’s ResearchUK to fund their work, with world-class advisory panels ensuringthat funding decisions are taken in a rigorous and effective manner.