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Sally Magnusson launches UK’s biggest dementia research conference in Oxford.

Free public open day will feature the broadcaster and leading Oxford scientists

Dementia scientists from across the UK and world will descend on Oxford at the end of March for the Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference 2014 – the UK’s biggest dementia research conference. The conference opens at John Radcliffe Hospital on 22 March with a free public open day where researchers will share their latest findings. Author and broadcaster Sally Magnusson will also speak at the event about her mother who had dementia, and talk more about her new book “Where Memories Go: Why Dementia Changes Everything”.

The event will feature several short talks from Oxford doctors and scientists on a range of topics – including stem cell research, frontotemporal dementia and “old age to space age”. Members of the public will find out more about current dementia research in Oxford and put their questions to the experts. Local care and support organisations will be present with information stands, giving people the opportunity to find out about support in their area.

Sally Magnusson said: “I am delighted to be speaking at the Alzheimer’s Research UK event in Oxford, and I know many in the audience will have experienced the same trauma that comes with dementia as I did with my mother. Dementia is one of the greatest social, medical, economic, scientific, philosophical and moral challenges of our times.”

Dr Richard Wade-Martins, Co-ordinator of the Alzheimer’s Research UK Oxford Network, who is speaking at the meeting, said: “Dementia is an enormous healthcare issue, with profound social and economic impacts. The open day is a great way for people to find out more about the cutting-edge research being done in Oxford and see what progress is being made to prevent and tackle the devastating diseases that cause dementia. More importantly, they will have the opportunity to speak to the researchers and ask questions about their work and the progress we are making.”

Dr Laura Phipps of Alzheimer’s Research UK, will also address the meeting. She said: “With 820,000 people in the UK living with dementia – including over 6,000 in Oxfordshire alone – it is vital that we invest in research into the condition. We rely on generous donations from the public to fund our research and we hope that people will come along and see the impact that this research can have on the lives of those living with dementia.”

The free meeting will take place on Saturday 22 March in Lecture Theatre 2, Academic Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital from 10am- 1pm and refreshments will be available. No tickets required, but if possible please contact in advance by phone 01865 282358 or email joyce.jones@dpag.ox.ac.uk

Photo opportunity: Journalists and photographers are welcome to attend the meeting. Researchers, Alzheimer’s Research UK staff and people with personal experience of dementia will be available to interview. Please let us know in advance if you would like to attend.

For further information, please contact the press office at Alzheimer’s Research UK on 0300 111 5 666 or email press@alzheimersresearchuk.org 

Notes to editors: • Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading charity specialising in finding preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia. • To help us defeat dementia, donate today by visiting www.alzheimersresearchuk.org or calling 0300 111 5555. • We are currently supporting dementia research projects worth over £20 million in leading Universities across the UK. • We have funded research projects worth over £2.8 million in Oxford.