Announced on 23 October, the multi-million-pound programme seeks to tackle some of the most difficult questions in dementia science and drive innovations to prevent, diagnose and treat the condition.
A Global Health Crisis in Urgent Need of Solutions
Experts warn that one in two people will face dementia in their lifetime either by developing the disease or caring for someone who does. Although recent advances have introduced the first treatments capable of slowing cognitive decline and innovative diagnostic blood tests, researchers say key scientific challenges still hold back progress.
Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Executive Director of Research and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, described dementia as “the defining health challenge of our time”, calling for “ambition and collaboration on a global scale.”
Targeting the Biggest Unknowns in Dementia
Led by Professor Sir John Hardy of University College London, an international panel has pinpointed three critical research questions:
- Predicting onset and progression – Can scientists forecast when symptoms will appear and how fast they’ll develop?
- Understanding resilience – Why do some people with risk factors never develop dementia?
- Decoding brain interactions – How do the different changes in the brain interact, and which are most significant?
Professor Hardy, also Vice President of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said the new fund is “about tackling those big unknowns head-on” and could “finally unlock the answers that have held back progress for so long.”
Global Collaboration and Funding Opportunities
The Dementia Frontiers Fund will unite world-class researchers, engineers and clinicians from across disciplines to drive bold ideas. Teams worldwide are invited to apply for start-up grants supporting innovative, high-risk projects that align with the fund’s goals.
Projects demonstrating the greatest potential impact will be selected by an independent expert panel for expanded, long-term funding.
Dr Niranjan Bose, Managing Director of Gates Ventures, said:
“The world’s most urgent health challenges demand bold and collaborative solutions. By backing ambitious science today, we can change the outlook for millions of people tomorrow.”
The partnership represents a major step forward in global efforts to combat dementia, bringing new hope to patients, families and healthcare systems worldwide.
