Leading brain health and dementia researchers say they believe Scotland's universities, patient organisations and pharmaceutical industry can form a powerful partnership that could see Scotland leading the world in finding a cure for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Research leaders, campaigners and medicines companies meeting at a Brain Health and Dementia Life Sciences Summit in St Andrews have described it as a ‘potential watershed’, with the creation of a partnership to work together to support and promote research that will benefit patients, their families, and the economy.

Speaking after the two-day conference, the Head of St Andrews University’s School of Biology, Professor Frank Gunn-Moore, said:

“Scotland is benefiting from a growing reputation in neuroscience, specifically in brain health and dementia research.

“Recently the Scottish government made a commitment to the people of Scotland that everyone would have access to a brain health clinic by 2025, with the explicit aim of dramatically reducing the incidence of dementia in our country.

“This commitment is far ahead of any commitments or actions taken at a national level by any other country or government in the world.”

Explaining the significance of scientists working in partnership with the commercial sector to find a cure for neurodegenerative diseases, Professor Gunn-Moore added:

“The summit had the singular objective of forming a partnership between the various stakeholders invested in curing Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

“We believe that Scotland can and should lead the world in this endeavour. Finding cures must be supported by optimal clinical trial delivery as well as clinical practice that can accommodate new tests and treatments rapidly and safely.”

Others at the summit included the team leading the Alzheimer Scotland-led, Scottish government-funded Brain Health Scotland Initiative,  and the Chair of the Scottish Brain Health and Dementia Research Oversight Board, former First Minister Henry McLeish.

Earlier this week, Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, writing for healthandcare.scot outlined a series of policy changes to reduce injustice, inequality and pressure being experienced by many people with dementia and their families.

Meanwhile, Scotland's first National Brain Health and Dementia Strategy setting a framework to encourage more research into neurodegenerative conditions is approaching the first anniversary of its launch.

Read more: Insight: Dementia’s hidden injustices; Treatment delays for neurological conditions; Adults with incapacity face longest discharge delays

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