A UK-first, two-year pilot
The Centre is a two-year pilot. It is testing a different way of organising diagnosis, treatment, support and research around people experiencing early changes in memory and thinking. Learning from the pilot will help partners understand what works, for whom and what may be needed if parts of the model are adopted elsewhere.
Important
The pilot is not an open referral service. People cannot refer themselves and GPs cannot refer patients directly. Eligible people are identified through existing specialist memory assessment services and contacted by the clinical team.
Our partners
The Manchester Brain Health Centre is a partnership involving Alzheimer’s Society, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Greater Manchester, and The University of Manchester. The pilot clinic is hosted at the NIHR Clinical Research Facility Manchester at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
What the Centre brings together
Earlier, more accurate diagnosis
Specialist cognitive assessment, imaging, biomarker testing and multidisciplinary expertise to build a clearer picture of memory and thinking changes.
Cardiovascular health and modifiable risk
Assessment of factors such as high blood pressure alongside cognitive assessment, rather than considering them separately.
Personalised support
Alzheimer’s Society Brain Health Advisers working alongside clinicians to help people and families understand their brain health and make achievable changes.
Research embedded within care
Opportunities for eligible patients to take part in research and clinical trials, helping to build evidence for the future.
Why brain health matters
Around one million people live with dementia in the UK and, at any time, a third do not have a diagnosis. Dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing, and health, lifestyle and environmental factors can influence risk.