BRACE funds world-class clinical and laboratory research into Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia to find better treatments, achieve earlier diagnosis and, one day, a cure. Together, we will defeat dementia.

It's been a long time since my last marathon and I've had lots of aches and niggles over the last few years. It's a few years since I've managed to run over 20 miles, but I've been enjoying building it back up again. I'm not going to run the whole thing - I'm planning to run/walk my way round - I've suddenly gotten old and those aches and niggles are real! I have a ballot place, so I don't need to raise a ridiculous figure, but anything my efforts achieve I'll be chuffed with.

BRACE's Research and Diagnostic Breakthroughs:

-Early Diagnosis: Funded the pilot study for Fastball, the world’s first EEG-based test for early Alzheimer’s, which is now being investigated for potential NHS use.

-Drug Licensing: Played a key role in the clinical trials for Galantamine, which is now a globally licensed and prescribed medication for managing Alzheimer’s symptoms.

-Standardised Assessment: Developed the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale (BADLS), a tool now used worldwide by clinicians to monitor the progression of dementia.

-Genetic Discovery: Supported research that uncovered new risk genes and therapeutic targets, some of which have advanced to high-profile clinical trials.

BRACE's Strategic Infrastructure Support:

-The Brain Bank: Provides core, long-term funding for the South West Dementia Brain Bank, which has supplied over 80,000 tissue samples to researchers globally to study the causes of brain disease.

-Bristol Brain Centre: Contributed approx. £600,000 toward the development of this world-class clinical research hub at Southmead Hospital.

-Nursing Support: Funds a dedicated Dementia Research Nurse to facilitate patient recruitment and clinical trials, bridging the gap between laboratory science and patient care.

BRACE's Academic and Future Impact:

-Next-Generation Scientists: Has funded nearly 40 PhD studentships, with many alumni now holding senior professorships in prestigious global institutions.

-Seed Funding Success: Their "pilot project" model has successfully "pump-primed" research that later secured millions in national and international funding.

-Regional Network: Successfully integrated a research network across seven major universities, including Bristol, Exeter, Cardiff, and Plymouth.