University dementia researchers benefit from annual fundraiser.
Approaching 200 guests gathered at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel on Thursday 10 September to enjoy a Bucks Fizz reception, accompanied by music from 4th year student Jack Christie, lunch and a presentation to raise over £2,500 for the University's dementia research. Thousands of pounds have been raised by the Lunch’s generous guests over the past 21 years for many projects including scholarships and medical research.
Dementia, the most common cause of which is Alzheimer’s disease, affects one in fourteen people over the age of 65, increasing to one in three of those in their nineties. It can be devastating, not just for the patients, but for their family and friends who see a loved one’s health and personality change before their eyes. Researchers at the University of Aberdeen are using a highly sophisticated, multi-disciplinary approach to further understand the causes of dementia, develop new methods for early diagnosis and understand disease progression, all of which will facilitate the development of effective treatments.
This year’s event was hosted by Professor Neva Haites, Vice Principal for Development at the University. She welcomed guests to an afternoon of good food and a stimulating talk by Professor Dame Anne Glover CBE FRSE. Professor Glover is a leading international science advocate and distinguished microbiologist and has recently been appointed as the University’s Vice Principal for External Affairs and Dean for Europe. She was the first Chief Scientific Adviser to be appointed in Scotland in 2006, and later became the first Chief Scientific Adviser to the President of the European Commission in 2012, supporting some of the most groundbreaking research and innovation being carried out today. Professor Glover has been widely recognised for her teaching and engagement with her audiences to foster excitement in and raise awareness of the relevance of science. Her contribution to science was recognised in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours, where she was made a Dame of the British Empire for services to science.
The Development Trust is an independent charity registered in Scotland which raises essential funds to support much of the University’s activities such as vital medical research as well as supporting students through the provision of scholarships, bursaries and facilities and preserving the University’s rich heritage. Funding from our worldwide family of alumni, individuals, companies, organisations and the community is essential to enable a wide range of activities.