Uni partnership to train dementia researchers

Lewy Body dementia is "not well understood", according to the University of Exeter

The University of Exeter has announced plans to create a virtual development centre to train the next generation of dementia researchers.

Led by Newcastle University, the new centre will specialise in training academics working on Lewy Body dementia.

At least four students a year will have access to the centre which has been funded by the Alzheimer’s Society.

Professor Louise Allan, academic lead for the new centre at the University of Exeter, said: "Lewy Body dementias are an important cause of dementia which are often overlooked and less researched than other dementias."

He added: "With this training centre, we will be able to make a contribution to addressing this problem and will build the capacity of researchers to work on this area in the future."

A spokesperson for the University of Exeter explained that Lewy Body dementia has "very challenging symptoms" for the individual with the condition and their loved ones, and yet it is "not well understood".

Newcastle University chose to partner with Exeter after recognising it as a "centre of excellence in medicine of old age".

Professor John-Paul Taylor from Newcastle University said: "The amazing support of Alzheimer’s Society for our doctoral training centre presents a huge opportunity."

He added that by uniting "highly motivated researchers" it could help improve the lives of people living with Lewy Body dementia and related conditions.