Alzheimer’s Society event: Is dementia inherited?
Find out how genetics and lifestyle can contribute to dementia at this event in London on 20th July
Dementia is in the spotlight like never before. It is increasingly in the headlines, with recent coverage suggesting that “one in three people born in the UK in 2015 will develop dementia” and that “living near busy roads increases dementia risk”.
But what is our individual risk of developing dementia, and how important is our lifestyle compared with our genetics? “Is dementia inherited?” is one of the most common questions asked of the Alzheimer’s Society, and this event aims to help uncover the answers.
Expert view
Attendees will hear from experts about the factors that affect our risk of developing dementia, how we make sense of what we hear in the media and the difficult decisions facing people who are at risk of developing a rare inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease. The speakers include:
- Dr Tim Shakespeare, research communications officer, Alzheimer’s Society
- Dr Alexandra Freeman, executive director, Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication
- Dr Elisabeth Rosser, consultant in clinical genetics, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Meet the scientists
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet dementia experts who are studying the genetics of the disease, developing sensitive tests, and investigating how dementia is presented in the media. The event will provide a better insight and understanding into genetic testing and counselling, discuss how dementia risk factors work, and the importance of communicating potential benefits and downsides for people finding out more about their risk of dementia.
The event, to be held at 5pm in the Basement Lecture Theatre, 33 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, is free to attend and will also include an evening drinks reception. To register for your place or to find out more, please view the event page.
