Pioneering vascular dementia researchers earn 'Heart Hero' accolade
A study that uncovered a potential new approach to treating the vascular causes of dementia has been named Research Story of the Year at the British Heart Foundation’s annual Heart Hero Awards. The award, which is voted for by the public, went to a BHF funded team from The University of Manchester, who described their delight at scooping the top prize.
Professor Adam Greenstein, Professor of Medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “The team and I are delighted to have been chosen as the winners of the British Heart Foundations Research Story of the Year award. Our research marks a revolutionary step forward in understanding the vascular causes of dementia by uncovering new routes for drugs which could slow the progression of this devastating condition.
The British Heart Foundation has been funding my work for the last 12 years, and it has been the privilege of a lifetime. None of these breakthroughs would exist if it wasn’t for their unwavering and continuous support. Dementia in the over 65’s is largely a vascular illness – together with the British Heart Foundation we are going to stop it in it’s tracks”
The Research Story of the Year category invites the public to vote for their favourite BHF-funded research project addressing some of the biggest challenges in cardiovascular disease.
The Manchester team, co led by Professor Greenstein and Dr Harry Pritchard won for their study that unmasked the hidden dangers of even slightly high blood pressure, revealing how it disrupts communication between the cells that make up the arteries in the brain.
Blood flow in the brain is regulated by two cell structures. When blood pressure increases, these structures help to transmit messages that tell arteries to dilate, allowing more blood to flow through them.
But the researchers found that, when blood pressure remains consistently high, these two structures move further apart. This stops messages reaching their target, causing arteries to remain permanently constricted and limiting blood flow to the brain.
Brain cells that don’t receive enough blood are starved of oxygen and nutrients, causing them to become damaged over time and die. This can lead to lack of concentration and poor memory, both symptoms of dementia.
These results in mice still need to be confirmed in humans, but the team are already looking at potential drugs that could restore this communication. They hope that this could improve blood supply to affected areas in the brain, slowing the progression of all dementia syndromes.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, said:
“Cardiovascular disease affects the lives of too many families, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. But, thanks to the incredible commitment and generosity of our BHF supporters and researchers, there is hope on the horizon.
“This study is just one example of the incredible research happening in labs and hospitals across the UK. Every day, our awe-inspiring BHF-funded researchers bring us one step closer to the next breakthrough that will save and improve lives of people affected by cardiovascular disease.”
