We've received Royal recognition for our work transforming the understanding of dementia

The prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education are awarded by the monarch every two years in recognition of world-class excellence and achievement at academic institutions.

In the latest round of the awards, Newcastle University has been recognised with a Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education.

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting an estimated 130,000 people in the United Kingdom and researchers at Newcastle University have transformed global understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition.

DLB gained public attention following the death of actor Robin Williams whose widow described his battle with the condition as “the terrorist inside my husband’s brain” highlighting the devastating toll the disease takes on individuals and their families.

It is a complex and often misdiagnosed disease causing problems with understanding, thinking, memory and judgement as well as movement difficulties, visual hallucinations and sleep disturbances, placing a profound strain on patients and their families.

For over 30 years, researchers at Newcastle University have led the way in redefining DLB as a distinct and common cause of dementia. Their work has reshaped clinical practice worldwide, improving outcomes and offering hope to those affected.

Nigel Thomas, 79, from Cleadon, South Tyneside, was diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies and has received care through the Newcastle team.

Nigel, who lives with wife Heather, 78, said: “I have lost some confidence in being independent. I now rely on my wife to organise much of my life although I do many of the basic household activities

“Before diagnosis and during early treatment I was confused, as I couldn’t understand what was happening to me. I know that some of my behaviour had changed; for example, I have become obsessive in ensuring I was carrying my wallet, spectacles and phone. I have also become slower in movement and I have lost some height.

“I dread to think what my circumstances would be if we had not met Professor Jean-Paul Taylor and his team and received comparatively early intervention with a tailored regime of vital medication which is constantly reviewed. Furthermore, I am appreciative of the team’s sensitivity, consideration, referrals and constant academic enquiry.”

Professor John-Paul Taylor, professor of Translational Dementia Research, Newcastle University said: “The Prize is recognition of the significant work and efforts of the Dementia with Lewy bodies team at Newcastle University over the past 30 years.

“Through close collaboration with patients, clinicians, and scientists across the globe, the University’s work has elevated DLB from an overlooked condition to a clearly defined, diagnosable, and increasingly treatable disease - setting new international standards for dementia care.

“We are building on this legacy with a vibrant multidisciplinary team that continues to strive to improve diagnosis and care of those affected.”

Key breakthroughs from the Newcastle team

• Identifying brain changes in relation to clinical symptoms that are related to DLB which helped establish international diagnostic guidelines. This was made possible by Newcastle University’s Brain Tissue Resource, which with over 2,200 donors is one of the UK’s largest brain donation programmes.
• Establishing dopamine-transporter (DAT) brain imaging as a diagnostic tool for DLB which is now recognised as the global gold-standard for accurate diagnosis.
• Linking biological changes to symptoms and progression, enabling earlier detection even before the dementia symptoms and more personalised care.
• Revolutionising treatment by discovering severe depletion of the brain chemical acetylcholine in DLB. This led to the first successful trials of therapies in DLB that restore its balance - now a global standard treatment that improves cognition and reduces hallucinations. Their research also exposed the risks of certain antipsychotic drugs, prompting safer prescribing practices worldwide.