Brain Matters

Dr. Khundakar will offer insights into the biological perspective on 'the mind' and how dementia has shaped our understanding of its nature and roles. The talk will discuss how neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies progressively impair cognitive functions, influencing our identity and interactions with those around us. Exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, it will highlight potential therapeutic and preventive strategies. Dr. Khundakar will advocate for integrating medical, social, and psychological support to enhance the quality of life for those affected by neurodegenerative conditions affecting the mind.

Recent media reports on new treatments for Alzheimer’s have been hailed as “the beginning of the end”, in a decade’s long pursuit of a way to either stop the progression of this brain disease which causes dementia, or prevent it from developing altogether. However, concerns around drug safety and efficacy have led to questions about whether these new treatments are truly the game-changers so desperately needed, or just false hope.

Mitochondrial diseases are rare and often unheard of. Symptoms of mitochondrial diseases are very complicated because they show up in different parts of the body in different ways. This can make it tricky for doctors to identify them, and diagnose the problem accurately. One such symptom, which can be mistaken for strokes, are stroke-like episodes. In this talk, gain first-hand insight into the unique challenges faced by patients with mitochondrial disorders and how The Lily Foundation, the UK's leading mitochondrial research charity, are helping to address this.