Scholarship advances Alzheimer’s research
Scholarships not only benefit talented students but they can have far-reaching consequences for society as a whole – but for funding from one of our alumni and a global pharmaceutical company, vital research into Alzheimer’s disease may have not happened.
Paula Oliveira is one of our PhD students furthering research into the condition and has been supported in her work by chemical engineering graduate Tony Tan and the Centre for Collaborative Neuroscience at Lilly UK (part of Eli Lilly).
By 2025, there will be one million people with dementia in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, and 60,000 deaths a year are directly attributable to the condition. Health campaigners describe the challenges posed by the rise in dementia as a ‘ticking time bomb’.
Developing new treatments and possible cures is paramount and Paula is researching how problems with sleep may contribute to Alzheimer’s.
“We used to think that sleeping problems were a symptom of the disease, but recent studies suggest that it may be one of the causes or at least represent a risk factor,” said Paula. “I’m trying to understand what might be the mechanisms behind it.”
People with Alzheimer’s often have problems with sleeping or may experience changes in their sleep schedule such as
napping during the day, being unable to get to sleep at bedtime and repeated wake-ups during the night. Working to treat sleep issues early may help protect brain health in the future.
Paula is one of a handful of people investigating this aspect of Alzheimer’s and says she was thrilled to become involved. Originally from Portugal, Paula struggled to find funding in her own country and her savings were fast running out when she decided to apply for the PhD.
“This was one of the first PhDs that I saw in the UK and it was the one I really wanted,” she said. “The scholarship means a lot – I couldn’t do my research without it. I am not restricted in my study as I can do experiments without limitations because I know the funding is there. I can also afford to travel to conferences which furthers my education in the field.”
Tony Tan, who graduated in 1971, has named his studentship in memory of friend and former colleague Godfrey Blott. Tony has vast experience in the healthcare industry; he is Non-Executive Chairman of Singapore Medical Group and was the founder and Managing Director of Parkway Holdings
Limited, Singapore, until 2000, and Deputy Chairman until his retirement in 2005.
Founded in 1876, Eli Lilly has developed productive alliances and partnerships to create medicines that help improve people’s quality of life.
Professor David Blackbourn, Head of the School of Biosciences and Medicine, said: “We are very grateful for the funding from Tony and Lilly UK. Supporting PhD studentships is vitally important for furthering research into some of the most pressing societal issues of our time. Alzheimer’s has a significant impact on the lives of people diagnosed and their families. Understanding ways to improve treatment for those affected is paramount and this research is expected to contribute to such knowledge.”
If you would like to find out more about funding a student scholarship, please visit
surrey.ac.uk/alumni/giving or call +44 (0)1483 683143. As a donor to the University, you will become part of a community of supporters who together are making a real difference.
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Forever Surrey 2018
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