Supporting Lewy Body Dementia Research – One Step at a Time

At the Memory Assessment and Research Centre (MARC), based at Moorgreen Hospital, research staff play a vital role in delivering high-quality dementia studies that improve understanding, diagnosis and care.

Jude Rolfe-Tarrant, Research Assistant and Study Coordinator at MARC, supports both observational and drug trials focused on improving the lives of people living with cognitive disorders. His role spans the full research pathway - from working directly with participants and their families, to conducting interviews and cognitive assessments, carrying out phlebotomy and laboratory processing, and ensuring a high standard of data quality and participant experience.

Alongside this, Jude coordinates a clinical trial focused on Lewy body dementia, overseeing recruitment, participant follow-up and the day-to-day running of the study in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

A Personal Motivation

Jude’s interest in dementia research is not only professional, but personal.

Having experienced dementia within his own family, and through close work with patients and their loved ones, he has seen first-hand the complexity, unpredictability and emotional impact these conditions can have.

This has driven his commitment to advancing research and raising awareness - particularly for Lewy body dementia, which remains widely misunderstood.

Taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge

To support this, Jude is taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge - climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 48 hours.

The challenge will involve long periods of travel between locations, minimal rest, and significant physical and mental endurance.

Raising Awareness of Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia is one of the most common forms of degenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, yet it is frequently misdiagnosed and not well understood.

The condition can include:

• Cognitive decline

• Visual hallucinations

• Sleep disturbances

• Parkinson’s-like motor symptoms

Improving awareness and understanding is essential to supporting earlier diagnosis, better care, and continued research.

How You Can Support

Jude is fundraising for the Lewy Body Society, with all donations going directly towards research, advocacy and support for individuals and families affected by Lewy body dementia.

If you are able to donate or share the fundraising page, your support would be greatly appreciated.

Jude will also be sharing training updates and insights in the lead-up to the challenge, helping to raise awareness and understanding of Lewy body dementia along the way.

To donate visit - https://www.justgiving.com/page/jude-rolfe-tarrant-1