Animal research

The Alzheimer's Research Trust supports research using animal models. For future treatments to be successful, they need to be tested first in cell models and/or by computer modelling and then in strictly-controlled animal models, mainly involving fruit flies, fish or mice and other rodents. Current dementia drugs are only available now because of this type of research. Although there have been several important breakthroughs, there is not yet a complete animal model for Alzheimer's or diseases related to it and the development of new treatments is being delayed as a result. More work on these is therefore very important.

The Alzheimer's Research Trust considers applications for research involving animals alongside all other applications for funding from scientists. The charity's position is that it will fund research applications of the highest standard, which are in accordance with the law, and which, on the best scientific advice, are considered to offer the greatest hope of making real progress in the search for a better understanding of the causes of Alzheimer's and related diseases and for ways to prevent treat or cure them.

Some of the research funded by the Alzheimer's Research Trust has involved transgenic mice, enabling studies on behaviour and memory that cannot be done in cell culture or computer models. Research using animals has produced some of the most important findings to date and made real progress in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. All projects are strictly regulated by laws and instructions from the Home Office, and researchers must demonstrate that animals are really necessary for the work and that no alternative method is available.

While we believe that projects using animals are crucial if we are to make progress towards treatments, the Alzheimer's Research Trust is able to restrict donations to non-animal model research projects on request. Supporters simply need to let us know when making a donation.

The Alzheimer's Research Trust is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities. Further information on the subject of animals in research can be found on its website www.amrc.org.uk.