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Our impact on cerebrovascular research

Discover how BHF has supported vital research in the quest to find better prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular disease.

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.

Download the report

Download the report with references and supplementary info

First published 29th July 2024