The Dementias & Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network was established in September 2005 as part of the UK Clinical Research Network. The creation of a UK research network for dementias and neurodegenerative diseases allows a sharing of resources and methodological expertise across a wide range of disabling long-term disorders which we recognise to share many common factors. It builds on the strengths already present in the UK as well as increasing general capacity in the field of dementia and neurodegeneration and will cover major diseases including the dementias, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.

The core aim of the Dementias & Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network is:

“to facilitate the conduct of randomised prospective trials and other well-designed studies of dementias and neurodegenerative diseases, including those for prevention, diagnosis and treatment”

And by this, it is our intention to:

• Improve the care of people with dementias & neurodegenerative diseases and their carers
• Improve the coordination of research
• Improve the speed of research
• Maintain and enhance the quality of research
• Improve the integration of research
• Widen participation in research

The DeNDRoN UK Coordinating Centre

A consortium of the Newcastle University and University College London (UCL) have been appointed to run the UK Coordinating Centre for DeNDRoN. The Coordinating Centre will oversee the development and performance management of the LRNs, and coordinate the work of the CSGs. The Coordinating Centre is funded by the Department of Health and is responsible to the UKCRN. It is headed by Directors Professor Martin Rossor in London and Professor Ian McKeith in Newcastle, supported by Assistant Director Piers Kotting in London.