New funding to research stroke linked to dementia

SCOTS researchers are set to trial new treatments for a type of stroke linked to dementia.

Edinburgh University will examine new medications for strokes.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has pledged funding of £850,000 to Edinburgh University to examine new medications for lacunar strokes, which affect 35,000 people per year in the UK.

These strokes are caused by damage to small vessels in the brain that restrict blood flow, and scientists believe it could be a cause of 40 per cent of dementia cases.

Dr Shannon Amoils, a BHF senior research adviser, said: “There are currently no proven treatments for lacunar stroke and this important trial will establish if two drugs, already available in the UK for other conditions, are safe to use in people with this type of stroke.

“The trial also aims to lay the foundations for a larger, more definitive study in the future.”