UK DRI at UCL was selected as the hub of the UK Dementia Research Institute in 2016 because of our strength to bring together excellent clinical and basic neuroscience research to advance understanding of neurodegeneration and identify novel targets and therapeutic approaches for dementia.
Our mission is to play a central and collaborative role in the UK DRI’s efforts to discover and deliver effective therapies. Our mission involves forging effective cross-disciplinary teams and approaches to understand pathogenic mechanisms; developing innovative therapeutic approaches; and providing a translational arm to the UK DRI to harness clinical resources, test and deliver treatments to patients.
People
See more details about our Group Leaders, Emerging Leaders, Lab Members, Professional Services Team and Affiliate Members here
Research
Research at the UK DRI at UCL covers the journey from the person living with dementia to the laboratory and back again - with improved diagnosis and potential therapies put to the test.
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News
Analysis: The man who fell in love with the sound of Spitfires – here’s what this can teach us
Dr Lucy Core (UCL UK Dementia Research Institute) describes in The Conversation how some patients with dementia can develop new and unexpected interests, suggesting that not all dementia symptoms are related to memory loss.
03 Mar 2026
Targeting the gut's immune system could tackle early stages of Parkinson's
New research reveals how Parkinson’s spreads from the gut to the brain, with the help of immune cells – offering a new potential therapeutic strategy – in a study in mice led by scientists at the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL.
28 Jan 2026
Scientists test whether finger prick blood test could help diagnose Alzheimer’s
A major international research project involving UCL is underway to test whether a finger prick-style blood test could be used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, even before symptoms begin.
19 Jan 2026