Lost in Translation? Why Brain Cells Stop Communicating in Dementia

1 in 3 people tragically develop dementia, and one key aspect of neurodegenerative disease is a breakdown in the way synapses maintain a healthy brain and nervous system. So, what does this mean for dementia research — and how could understanding it lead to better treatments?

On Wednesday 26th November, we're delighted to welcome Dr Emma Clayton from the UK Dementia Research Institute to explain what we know about dementia and how her lab at UK DRI is researching what causes the synaptic dysfunction which precedes symptoms.

Synapses connect neurons and allow brains cells to communicate, making them fundamental to brain function. By allowing information from different parts of the brain to be integrated, they play a critical role in processes such as thought, but in dementia there's a breakdown in synaptic processes.

Now a growing body of evidence indicates this occurs before the better-known symptoms of dementia become apparent, so understanding why cells lose the ability to communicate may well be key to treating – possibly, even, preventing – dementia.

Come to PubSci on Wednesday 26th November to hear from a leading researcher and discover what we know about dementia, how UK DRI is at the forefront of dementia research, and what Dr Clayton's lab is learning about synapse dysfunction in dementia.

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PubSci talks run for around 45 minutes and are followed by a Q&A session. The Old King's Head has a happy hour before 7 and the kitchen serves traditional pub grub. The nearest tube is London Bridge (Borough High Street exit). See FAQs for more.

See below for ticketing options, to read about this month's speaker, and learn more about PubSci.

Tickets

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Multiple tickets

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How much are tickets...?

There's no set 'price' – we trust you to contribute what you think is fair for an evening of great science. The precise amount is up to you, but the price of a pub drink is probably a good measure.

PubSci receives no other income. More information at the bottom of this page.

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About the speaker

Dr Emma Clayton is a research scientist and lab head at the UK Dementia Research Institute, King's College, London.

UK DRI is focused on understanding the underlying biological processes at work down at the molecular level of neurodegenerative disease in order to find new ways to diagnose and treat it.

After studying Genetics at University College, Cork, Emma had an internship with NASA undertaking ecological studies at Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds the Kennedy Space Centre.

Emma completed her PhD in Edinburgh, investigating brain cell communication, followed by postdoctoral work at UCL where she first worked on the neurodegenerative diseases Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or 'Lou Gehrig's disease'). She described this period as "hugely motivating" in her commitment to understanding what happens to brain cells in neurodegenerative disease.

In 2023, Emma began her own lab at King's College, London with a Senior Fellowship grant from Alzheimer's Research UK, and was named an Emerging Leader the same year.

Clayton Lab investigates the earliest changes to brain cells before neurodegeneration even takes hold with the goal of identify novel drug targets to treat neurodegenerative disease. Her work is particularly focused on Frontotemporal Dementia, ALS, and Parkinson’s Disease.

PubSci is delighted to welcome Emma as the final speaker in our 2025 programme.

About PubSci

PubSci presents accessible science talks in the comfort of a pub meeting room so you can enjoy top quality science talks with a drink in your hand.

It is an independent initiative run by volunteers, is not-for-profit, and receives no funding other than attendee contributions.

We believe science is for everyone and we want everybody to be able to afford our events, so we run PubSci on a Pay-What-You-Can basis. To contribute via Eventbrite choose "Book for one + support PubSci". To contribute on the night, please bring cash.

By making a donation, you make it possible for PubSci to put on events like this. If you're not sure what's a reasonable amount, we suggest the same as you'd pay for a drink at the pub. If you want to support somebody attending who can't afford it, consider the price of two drinks.

Note: We aim to keep PubSci accessible for all, but it is unsuitable for under 18s as we meet in the upstairs room of a pub. Regrettably, there is no wheelchair access.

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You can learn more about PubSci via our LinkTree and download our events programme here.

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