Memory Assessment and Research Centre (MARC)
Dementia researchers, working together to improve lives
Our collaborators
Our team works closely with the Dementia Research Group at University of Southampton. The group undertakes innovative research into the causes of dementia, helping to develop and test new biomarkers and treatments.
Our main research areas include:
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inflammation in dementia
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clinical studies and biomarkers in dementia
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neuroimaging
Award-winning research
MARC is an internationally renowned, award winning, research centre for memory research and treatment.
We are a UK-based multi-disciplinary organisation in the NHS led by Dr Brady McFarlane (Director) and Suzanne Dodge (Clinical Trials Facility Manager).
Since 1989, we have conducted hundreds of pharmaceutical trials, observational studies and basic science projects aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Our research trials are at the cutting edge of new therapies for people living with dementia.
About Us
Over 35 years of experience delivering high-profile research trials
MARC was built on groundbreaking scientific research led by Dr David Wilkinson and Professor Clive Holmes. In a post-mortem study, the team discovered that the first amyloid (Abeta 42) vaccine clears amyloid plaques from the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Their legacy contributed considerably to our understanding of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and the development of dementia treatments.
MARC was involved in the first clinical trials testing cholinesterase inhibitors to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. In clinical practice today, these treatments are known as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine.
Our scientific contributions span from genetics to the role of inflammation in dementia and other inflammatory conditions such as, rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease. We have extensive experience delivering trials evaluating antibody, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic agents.
We have been part of therapeutic dementia research including the use of aromatherapy, music therapy and nostalgia.
We currently deliver the latest trials testing amyloid antibodies which are the first type of disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s that slow the progression of the disease.
Our team is passionate about advancing medicine and healthcare, in the hope to one day find a cure for dementia.