The Alzheimer Society of Ireland recently undertook a joint research project with UCD's School of Social Work, Social Policy and Social Justice, Age Action and the Irish Association of Social Workers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the health and social care system is responding to the care needs, required supports and preferences of older people, including people with dementia.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is also running a national campaign calling on Government to invest in home and community care supports for people living with dementia.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia can be a very positive and rewarding experience, but it can also leave the carer feeling stressed and isolated. This module is designed to advise carers how the stressful aspects of caring can be minimised and the positive experiences maximised by looking after their social and emotional needs and by managing how they respond to challenging behaviours. 

As part of the BIOMARKPD initiative the Irish Network for Biomarkers in Neurodegeneration (IN-BIND) was established. It is a research infrastructure aimed at creating a functional network for clinical and laboratory based scientists working in this area. Similar to BIOMARKPD, the aims of IN-BIND are the standardisation of biomarker measurement across Ireland and Europe to include i) sample collection, ii) measurement, iii) and interpretation.

The Dublin Brain Bank is a collaboration between the Neuropathology Department of Beaumont Hospital and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. It aims to facilitate an archive of brain tissue, which will help clinical and neuroscience researchers uncover potential cures for neurological diseases.

For further information see attached AAIC 2016 Press Release

For further information see attached AA2016 press release.

SOPHIA is a consortium of 17 ALS centres in Europe. The consortium aim to develop a common strategy for the prioritization and harmonization of biomarkers for ALS and neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, it aims to validate neurochemical biomarkers for monitoring disease activity, for generating earlier diagnoses and for defining prognosis.

This course provides an overview of the molecular basis of neurodegeneration and the development of treatment strategies to combat neurodegenerative disorders. The programme will focus on several disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Fragile X, Spinocerebellar ataxia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. There are many parallels between different neurodegenerative disorders and the course will examine the common themes across neurodegenerative processes.

An Educational Course on Translating Research into Drugs

This didactic conference will educate scientists on the processes of translating basic research into novel therapies and will leave participants with a strong knowledge base and relevant resources to address the associated barriers and challenges in developing a drug.

The programs will also highlight case studies of small molecule and biologics programs at different stages of development aimed at tackling challenging CNS targets relevant to neurodegenerative diseases.