SCIENTISTS at Newcastle University are inviting the public to an open afternoon to hear more about current progress in dementia research.

The free event, on Tuesday, will feature short talks from doctors and researchers and has been organised by members of the Alzheimer’s Research UK Network Centre.

Alzheimer’s Research UK, a national charity, is currently funding more than £1m worth of research at Newcastle University with the aim of developing new diagnostic tests, preventions and treatments.

The disease affects more than 850,000 people in the UK, including more than 34,000 in the North-East.

Speakers will include Professor Ian McKeith, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, who will provide an update on the latest in dementia research, as well as Dr Kirsty McAleese, a researcher working to understand how the brain’s wiring is affected by Alzheimer’s.

There will also be a question and answer session and a discussion afterwards.

Prof Johannes Attems, from Newcastle University, said: “Dementia affects so many people in the region that we want to provide an open forum for people to learn more and ask questions.

“This event is a great opportunity for people to hear the latest developments in research, as well as speaking to charities like Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

The open afternoon takes place in the Lindisfarne Room, Kings Road Centre, NE1 7RU, between 2pm and 4.30pm. Refreshments are available from 1.15pm.

To confirm a place contact Sally Warburton on (0191) 2081342 or e-mail sally.warburton@ncl.ac.uk.