Defying Dementia
Raising funds and awareness of Lancaster University's research into Alzheimer's Disease
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The Defying Dementia Campaign
The importance of Defying Dementia
This powerful video explains why our Alzheimer's drug MUST be developed. Please look below to find out more about the campaign and the fantastic work that it is doing.
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About Defying Dementia
Defying Dementia is a community-supported campaign aiming to change the world that we live in and make a real difference to people's lives by tackling the big threat that is presented by Alzheimer's disease.
There are currently no drugs available that cure Alzheimer’s, none that prevent it, and not even any drugs that are able to slow down its progression.
Defying Dementia was founded in 2015 by Dr Penny Foulds, in order to progress a promising Alzheimer's drug (developed by Professor David Allsop and his team) into human clinical trials. We have been conducting important pre-clinical experiments on this treatment, thanks to the money that has been donated through the Defying Dementia campaign. We hope that our drug will be able to progress into human clinical trials very soon, which will take place at Blackpool-based MAC Clinical Research.
The campaign has now expanded to include regular events for the community such as The Bay Dementia Hub, Freshers Young Onset Cafes, sponsored walks, lectures and the Defying Dementia Fundraising and Community Shop at 50 Church St, Lancaster.
With an ageing population, more families are going to face the heartbreak caused by this disease that destroys memory, personality and movement, unless we can tackle it now.
The Defying Dementia Team
Meet our Defying Dementia team at Lancaster University who are fundraising for, and carrying out this important research into neurodegenerative diseases.
focuses on how the small protein fragments that kill nerve cells in the brain are produced in Alzheimer's disease.
investigates how genetic and environmental risk factors for psychiatric and neurodegenerative disease impact brain functioning, behaviour and cognition. He also studies how brain imaging can give us a greater insight into brain diseases.
is the Defying Dementia campaign founder. She completed her first degree at Lancaster and then qualified as a secondary school science teacher. She came back to Lancaster and studied for her PhD with Professor Allsop. She has a personal experience with the effects of neurodegenerative diseases and now works for MAC Clinical Research.
is our Research Associate, she joined the team in 2019 and works full-time in our research labs to progress our promising new Alzheimer’s drug towards human clinical trials. Norah’s role also involves public engagement, she regularly attends our community events including the Fresher’s Young Onset Cafes and Bay Dementia Hubs.
Useful Resources
Please find below useful links and resources containing information about dementia, dementia service providers and community groups.
A charity that works with and for older people in Lancashire. They offer a range of services including social groups, luncheon clubs, exercise classes, computer lessons and home help services to assist older people in remaining active, independent and linked into their local community.
Understanding Alzheimer's can be difficult, especially for children and young people. These resources make it easier to explain Alzheimer's to young people and so make it easier for them to adapt.
Boots Pharmacies can have your medicines ready and waiting at the Pharmacy instead of you having to go to the doctor to pick up your prescription. The Pharmacy can also let you know when the Doctor needs to see you for a review, send you texts when your prescription is ready and you can also order medicines you don't use regularly in-store or online.
The DAA bring together organisations across the UK that are committed to transforming the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
DEEP brings together groups of people with dementia from across the UK
An initiative run by the Alzheimer's Society to help people learn more about dementia and how to support those living with dementia.
Delivering innovation in information and advice to help older people find suitable housing, care or financial advice.
A sociable get-together for people 40+ with dementia, Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Providing accommodation options and services to help older people live independently at home.
Information and support on adult social care for those living in Lancashire.
The Lancaster Clinical Assessment is the final clinical practical assessment for 4th-year medical students studying at Lancaster University. Each year people who have a variety of health issues or conditions who are willing to tell their stories and be examined by students are needed. For more information, please telephone 01524 516044 or email clinical.skills@mbht.nhs.uk
Long-term supporters of Defying Dementia, Unique Homecare are leading provider of home care services based in Galgate, Lincoln and Skipton. If you are in need of short-term relief or a more permanent care arrangement, Unique can provide you with the care you need. In addition to this, they also host a number of free dementia support groups and workshops to support the families and loved ones of those living with dementia.
Please note: The facts and information contained in the above sites are from external sources and not from Defying Dementia.
Join the Defying Dementia Fundraising campaign
Lancaster University's Defying Dementia campaign needs your support to tackle these devastating diseases.
There are many ways in which you can support us. You can make a donation, volunteer for us by organising your own fundraising events or help us out at our events. We are very lucky to have such brilliant existing volunteers within our Defying Dementia team, and we welcome anyone to join us.
Join our ever-increasing band of energetic and passionate volunteer fundraisers. We can provide you with all the information and support you need. Our volunteers have so far organised cake sales, ran marathons, organised large community events and done memorial collections at a loved one's funeral. One volunteer has even walked Hadrian's Wall for Defying Dementia! The possibilities are endless.
Email us with your fundraising ideas or download our virtual fundraising toolkit to help plan your event.
If you already have an idea and are ready to make a start on your fundraising, by following the and email us once your page is complete. We will then promote the great work you are doing to support our campaign.
Defying Dementia Student Society
Defying Dementia is very lucky to have the Student Society based at Lancaster University supporting their fundraising and awareness efforts.
The Defying Dementia Student Society aims to raise support and awareness about Defying Dementia among students at Lancaster University. The Society organises socials as well as events in order to raise funds for the campaign projects. Previous events include a Santa Dash, Pub Quiz and shop bag pack. Each term the Society has regular meetings where you can learn more about the work that is happening right here in the laboratories in Lancaster University.
If you are interested in joining, please contact the Society through their
There are many ways you can donate to Defying Dementia.
Make a single donation online
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You can choose to make a single donation on our secure online form.
Make a regular donation online
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Make a regular donation to Defying Dementia by Direct Debit.
JustGiving
- If you would like to fundraise for Defying Dementia, and email us to let us know about the great work you are doing.
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You can now also .
Give by post
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Download a donation form or send a cheque to our freepost address below.
Memorial donations
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Contact us if you wish to make a collection in memory of a loved one at a memorial service.
Freepost RTHB-JYYX-RZTK, Alumni & Development Office, Lancaster University, University House, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW
Please make cheques payable to 'Lancaster University'
By Post
Development and Alumni Relations
C Floor
University House
Lancaster University
Bailrigg, Lancaster
LA1 4YW
United Kingdom
By Phone
+44 (0)1524 594109
We're here Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
By Email
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Contact Us
By Post
Philanthropy, Alumni and Supporter Engagement
C Floor
University House
Lancaster University
Bailrigg, Lancaster
LA1 4YW
United Kingdom
By Phone
+44 (0)1524 594109
We're here Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Fundraising Promise
Lancaster University is committed to ensuring that our fundraising is legal, open, honest and respectful.