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On 23rd April 2023, we are running the London Marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

This is a cause particularly close to our hearts as Tim’s Dad, Graham, has been diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), also known as Benson's syndrome. This is a rare degenerative condition in which damage occurs at the back (posterior region) of the brain. In the vast majority of people, the cause of PCA is Alzheimer's disease. We have witnessed first hand the devastating impact of this condition on Graham and the wider family.

In 2015 my Dad was just 64, retired from his career as a doctor and enjoying seeing his ever growing family of grandchildren enter the world. We had all known for a while that something wasn’t right and Dad had voluntarily given up driving, but getting his diagnosis was devastating for him especially because, as a doctor he knew exactly what it meant. His condition has progressed rapidly and he is now in a residential nursing home looked after day-to-day by an excellent team of care staff. Although now barely able to communicate, visits from his family and especially his 9 grandchildren bring a smile to his face. He has of course missed out on so much. There is no cure. Hopefully raising money to fund research into this disease will help future generations not to have to go through the same experience.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has helped to fund the largest genetic study of PCA to date. Their discoveries are helping researchers understand more about why some people develop PCA. They have now funded over £64 million of pioneering research to help advance the understanding of all types of dementia, discovering new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat the diseases that cause dementia. Backed by their passionate scientists and supporters, they are challenging the way people think about dementia, and investing in research to make breakthroughs possible.

Around 95% of all cases of dementia are due to Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia.

In the UK, dementia is the only condition in the top 10 causes of death without a treatment to prevent, cure or slow its progression.

Without effective treatments, one in three children born today will die with dementia. Today, there are no dementia survivors but research can change this.

To see more statistics click here

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