Cerebrovascular disease is a term for conditions that affect the blood vessels and blood flow to the brain. These conditions include stroke and vascular dementia. BHF has funded over 160 research grants into cerebrovascular disease worth over £75m since the 1960s.
Discovering new knowledge
BHF-funded research has been instrumental in increasing our knowledge of cerebrovascular disease. For example, discovering new genetic regions linked to an increased risk of stroke.
Developing new technology
Researchers we've funded have helped develop new methods for understanding the causes of cerebrovascular disease. This includes investigating the use of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) to help diagnose and predict the outcome of stroke.
Influencing clinical practice
BHF-funded research is contributing towards building the evidence that could change clinical practice. This includes discovering that two existing drugs show potential to prevent dementia following lacunar stroke.
Improving patients’ lives
Stroke is the single biggest cause of severe disability in the UK. We've been funding research to prevent strokes and improve treatment and recovery after a stroke.
Joining forces
BHF works with other national and international funders to support cerebrovascular research. We've partnered with the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) to establish the UK's first research centre dedicated to finding new treatments for vascular dementia.
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First published 29th July 2024