Since studying Alzheimer's Disease on my Neuroscience Degree at University, I've always felt such a feeling of desperation for those affected by the disease, in particular a frustration that there are not better treatments. 

Whilst at Uni I also worked on a Trauma Orthopaedics Ward, and saw first hand how Sundowning and other aspects of Alzheimer's (as well as other types of dementia) can not only completely ruin your night shift but place such a huge burden on the patient's caregivers. Domestic caregivers do not have the luxury of clocking off at the end of a shift, and I can only imagine how exhausting it must be to care for someone you love through such a degenerative disease. 

I've been so lucky not to have anyone in my immediate family extremely affected by dementia, and Alzheimer's in particular. I live in fear of that diagnosis, and having to grieve a loved one whilst they're still before your eyes would be something I would never want to experience. 

My will to help find better treatment options for the disease has spurred me on in my career as a Research Manager where I now work for the Glasgow Memory Clinic. I'm immensely proud of the work we do, recruiting patients for clinical research studies working with sponsors who are making real progress in finding a cure for this disease. It truly is an exciting time in the Alzheimer's Research field, with lots of promising trials at the moment, and there is real hope for better options in the near future. But in the absence of a cure right now, or any new treatments at all in the last 20 years, there is so much more to be done socially to support those affected by Alzheimers. 

Alzheimer's Society is an organisation I have believed in for many years, I have been a 'dementia friend' since my early 20's and have often signposted them as a resource for information and support to both patients and caregivers of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.  Supporting them whilst I take on a challenge is such an honour, and the least that I can do in recognition of everything they do to support those facing the challenge of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. I hope to raise money for Alzheimer's Society, raise awareness of the disease whilst I do, and (hopefully!) run the marathon in under 5 hours!