ALZHEIMER’S Research UK has increased its investment in North-East scientists as the fight against dementia is stepped up.

The investment in the Newcastle Network Centre, based at Newcastle University, is part of increased funding for research across the UK, bringing scientists together to tackle the devastating disease.

More than 40 researchers at the Newcastle Network Centre will benefit from £70,000 over two years, with continued support pledged for the coming years. The investment is part of the charity’s £100m Defeat Dementia fundraising campaign, announced in June by the Prime Minister, David Cameron.

The Alzheimer’s Research UK Research Network of 15 centres brings together scientists from a variety of disciplines, throughout the UK.

Professor Raj Kalaria, a professor of neuropathology at Newcastle University, said:“The Newcastle Network Centre is an incredibly important resource for dementia researchers in the city, which has a long history of dementia research and being unique in its ability to link dementia scientists not just within the university but around the country.”

Nearly 34,000 people in the North-East have dementia and the charity’s research network has been growing since 1998, supporting scientists to find a cure for the condition.

Newcastle was one of the original founding Network members and this increased funding will allow the teams in the area to pursue new ideas through equipment grants and support for small innovative projects.

Besides providing a focal point for researchers, the Newcastle Research Network Centre is helping the local community understand the progress being made in dementia research.

Every year, the Newcastle Network hosts a free meeting for the public to hear about the latest research findings. The next of these events is at 2.30pm on Wednesday September 17 at the Great North Museum, Hancock in Newcastle.