Dr Ríona McArdle, at Newcastle University, has secured £546,280 through the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Research Leader Fellowship - the first time these fellowships have been awarded to researchers working in this specific field.

Her project will bring together people living with dementia, carers, and health and social care professionals to identify which mobility challenges have the greatest impact on everyday life, with the aim of developing more effective, targeted support.

Walking and balance challenges

Dr McArdle said: “I’m delighted that the Alzheimer’s Society has recognised the importance of supporting mobility for people living with dementia, and that I can contribute to advancing research and care in this area.

“This work has also been supported by funding from the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, enabling further exploration of regional inequalities in the North East of England and helping to shape both digital and non-digital mobility solutions that reach those who need them most.”

The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Research Leader Fellowship is designed to support outstanding researchers who have already established a strong track record and are now ready to develop independent research careers.

This year, Alzheimer’s Society has awarded £5.45 million to 17 early-career researchers, supporting projects that advance more personalised approaches across the dementia spectrum - from improving understanding of disease mechanisms to enhancing person-centred care and lived experiences.

The funded projects reflect the full breadth of dementia research, with a shared emphasis on precision and personalisation, whether in identifying individual risk, understanding the causes of disease, or exploring how people experience and live with the condition.

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We’ve seen extraordinary progress in dementia research over the last decade.

“Such breakthroughs are only possible when we ensure talented researchers are supported to remain in the field. We are proud to continue building momentum by investing in the next generation of research leaders.”

Supporting excellence in research

Ensuring that people living with dementia receive the highest standard of care remains a priority, including building a robust evidence base for the most effective support. This includes a strong focus on person-centred approaches that can be implemented wherever individuals with dementia are cared for.

The Dementia Research Leader Fellowship scheme is open to researchers from a broad range of disciplines and career paths, including those returning from career breaks and those transitioning into dementia research from other fields.

This latest cohort joins a portfolio exceeding £50 million in dementia research funding, with more than 400 researchers currently supported across the UK.