The radio DJ Edith Bowman has opened up about how her family was affected by dementia as she visited UCL to hear about pioneering research into treatments for the condition.
Ms Bowman’s uncle, Ian, was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease that can lead to dementia, very young and sadly passed away in 2014.
The TV presenter visited UCL’s Queen Square Institute of Neurology last month and spoke with Professor Selina Wray, a researcher with Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Her work had inspired Bowman to become an ambassador for the charity several years ago.
“Selina had written up her thesis for her Master’s [degree] on PSP because it’s such an unknown area of brain disease,” she said.
“It was amazing for me to get answers to questions for my aunt because it’s such an unknown condition.”
Prof Wray said that a series of promising breakthroughs had been made in the field of dementia research in recent years - but that sufficient funding was key.
“All of those breakthroughs collectively are bringing us closer to our goal of new treatments for Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” Prof Wray said.
“We’re getting closer every day to developing new treatments for dementia, but the funding is crucial.”
Funding for the charity and the research it commissions has been particularly difficult during Covid, said Ms Bowman, because “so much of it relies on people getting out and about”.
“That meant that there was a massive cut in funding, so now more than ever it’s so important that we support Alzheimer’s research,” she said.
“It’s so vital [funding], the more they can get, the quicker they can provide treatments for people”.
However, she added, the money does not only go towards research, but towards support for people who are affected by conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
The DJ has teamed up with Omaze, which is running a lottery for a prize draw of a chance to win a £3m house in the Lake District - with 80% of the net proceeds going towards much-needed research.
The property has six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a sauna, gym, cinema room, and even views of Lake Windermere.
The Omaze Million Pound House Draw Lake District closes at midnight this Sunday, 27 March, for online entries and 29 Marchfor postal entries. Enter at www.omaze.co.uk.
