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Posthumous Doctorate Honors Alzheimer's Research Pioneer
23 May
Summary
- Carol Jennings' family's contribution proved genetics play a role in Alzheimer's.
- Her research led to the first treatments slowing Alzheimer's progression.
- She received a rare posthumous doctorate from University College London.
Carol Jennings, a former teacher from Nottingham, was awarded a rare posthumous Honorary Doctorate from University College London in recognition of her significant contributions to Alzheimer's research. This honor acknowledges her instrumental role in identifying the genetic basis of familial Alzheimer's disease.
Jennings became involved in research after her father and several of his siblings were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Her family's participation in a study, initiated by a newsletter advertisement, was crucial in discovering the first evidence of a protein mutation contributing to the disease's causes.
This groundbreaking discovery, made possible by Jennings' commitment, paved the way for the development of treatments capable of slowing the progression of Alzheimer's, particularly in its early stages. She passed away in March 2024, herself having lived with Alzheimer's. Alongside her husband, Stuart, she was a dedicated advocate for dementia research, with the Alzheimer's Society establishing the Carol Jennings Fellowship in her honor.
