For sports car /GT racing driver Johnny Mowlem and F1 presenter Christian Hewgill, the race against dementia is personal. Both have seen their mothers struggle with this relentless disease, fuelling their passion for finding preventions and cures for dementia. Recently, they visited a pioneering dementia research lab to witness firsthand the breakthroughs aimed at achieving fast and accurate diagnosis. This visit was not only a step towards understanding the science behind the research but also a powerful testament to their dedication to raising awareness and hope as Race Against Dementia Ambassadors.
Johnny Mowlem and Christian Hewgill’s visit to the renowned UK Dementia Research Institute and Dementia Research Centre at University College London was a journey into the heart of dementia research. Upon arrival, they were greeted by Dr Aitana Sogorb-Esteve a Race Against Dementia Fellow, who began the tour by explaining the lab’s cutting-edge work that aims to increase the speed and accuracy of dementia diagnosis.
When asked about their experiences of dementia diagnosis, Johnny said,
“My mum was diagnosed four years ago with vascular dementia. It took ages to get that to happen. I was the first person to notice as I was seeing her regularly. A slight shift in behaviour got me concerned. It took quite a while for anyone to take it seriously because she was slightly older, she was in her eighties, people just put it down to old age.”
I eventually went to see a specialist who then diagnosed her with specifically vascular dementia. The heartbreaking part for me was that now we know the specific type of dementia, I asked what can we do about it, can we slow the decline? The specialist said no, unfortunately that’s it, she has got vascular dementia, good luck.”
Christian said, “Last year my mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a form of dementia.
It has completely devastated our family. In the course of a year mum has gone from cooking a three-course meal for people to someone who can barely make herself a glass of water.
Getting a diagnosis was a huge battle.
You look at something like getting diagnosed with Cancer in the UK and immediately the system sweeps into place, this is what happens next, this is the support you are going to get. None of that happens with dementia, at all.”
“Early detection is crucial”
Dr Aitana walked Johnny and Christian through her lab explaining the focus of her recent Ignition Fund project.
Developing new methods to extract information from blood samples to create new ways to improve diagnosis in FTD using high tech equipment.
“Early detection is crucial. With faster and more accurate diagnosis, we can start interventions sooner, potentially slowing the disease’s progression.”
Current diagnostic tools include: imaging (brain scans including MRI and PET), lumbar puncture and cognitive assessments.
Blood based diagnostics will provide a less invasive, faster and more cost-effective option.
Next, they visited the biomarker research section, they learned about the development of blood tests that could simplify the diagnostic process. Dr Aitana showcased a prototype test that measures specific proteins linked to dementia, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic tool. Johnny, deeply moved, said, “A simple blood test could mean the difference between catching this disease early and facing a more difficult battle down the line.”
“It’s incredible to see how much information can come from just a microscopic blood sample” Christian remarked.
Throughout the visit, Johnny and Christian engaged with researchers, asking insightful questions and sharing their personal stories.
This included in depth questions about the high-tech equipment including one machine that is one of three in the world.
Their genuine interest and emotional investment in the work being done were evident, “It’s been illuminating. I have come out of here with a renewed sense of optimism. Knowing that there are people as clever as Aitana working so that when you are diagnosed with dementia, it’s not a death sentence.” Johnny expressed.
By the end of the tour, it was clear that the visit had made a significant impact on both ambassadors. Christian said “In formula one I interview the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton who are so laser focused on what they are at a Grand Prix to do. Aitana reminds me of that, she is laser focused on ‘this is what I need to do.”
That is where Sir Jackie’s vision of the formula one mindset comes in because she is a formula one driver of her field, she shares all the same characteristics, it’s unbelievably impressive.”
The Race Against Dementia Ignition Fund supports exceptional scientists in their dementia research. Applications can be made for up to £100k and are assessed by Race Against Dementia’s expert scientific panel. The panel convene at least twice a year. Funding can be used for equipment, headcount or research costs. Much like the process of developing a winning racing car, scientific discovery rarely follows a linear path. There are new leads or unexpected breakthroughs. Additional funds are needed to quickly exploit an opportunity and avoid high potential ideas being shelved.
