Carol Jennings, a former teacher and Alzheimer’s campaigner has received a rare posthumous Honorary Doctorate, DSc (Med) from University College London (Queen Square Institute of Neurology) this week, in recognition for her decades of contribution to Alzheimer’s research and instrumental role in laying the foundations to the first treatments proven to slow progression of the early stages of the disease.
Carol Jennings’ connection to Alzheimer’s disease began in 1983 when her father was diagnosed. Within a few years, four of his siblings had also received a dementia diagnosis, sparking Carol’s determination to understand the underlying causes of the condition – convinced genetics played a role.
Carol responded to an advertisement that was placed in an Alzheimer’s Society newsletter by two researchers looking for families with multiple members affected by Alzheimer’s. At the time, it was generally believed that our genes did not play a role in Alzheimer’s disease
As a result of this courageous decision, Professor Sir John Hardy and Professor Martin Rossor identified a mutation to the amyloid gene, whilst studying the Jennings family. This provided the first evidence that a protein called ‘amyloid’ contributed to the underlying causes of familial Alzheimer’s disease and that people who had this faulty version of the gene accumulated more amyloid protein in the brain.
Carol’s involvement in Professor Sir John Hardy’s landmark study, which was jointly funded by Alzheimer’s Society and the Medical Research Council, was pivotal in identifying the role of amyloid protein in Alzheimer’s disease and developing the ‘amyloid hypothesis’.
Years later, this ultimately led to the first treatments proven to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people at the early stages of the condition.
Together with her husband Stuart, Carol became a passionate global advocate for dementia research, raising awareness and championing progress. In recognition of their remarkable contributions, Alzheimer’s Society named them both Vice Presidents and established the Carol Jennings Fellowship, to recognise innovative dementia research and to continue her legacy. Sadly, Carol was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease herself and died in 2024.
Carol was nominated for the award posthumously by Professor Sir John Hardy, who said,
“Carol’s impact on our research is immeasurable and will continue to resonate for decades to come. These findings have given hope to millions. That is possible thanks to Carol, and what became her life’s work.
“Together with her husband Stuart, who we are proud to welcome to UCL, she had a unique impact on our understanding of this neurological condition and of the potential for its treatment. Over the decades, it was my privilege to become a friend to her and her entire family.”
Dr Richard Oakley Associate Director of Research and Innovation who attended the UCL ceremony with the Jennings family said,
“It was an honour to attend the ceremony and to see Carol’s incredible contribution to the field of Alzheimer’s research honoured. We are so grateful for the vast contribution Carol, and her family have made to Alzheimer’s research. Their involvement was vital in the seminal research which provided the first evidence that amyloid protein contributes to the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Carol’s husband Stuart Jennings, who continues in his role as a Vice President at Alzheimer’s Society said,
“Carol was an optimist. Not the easy kind – not someone who simply refused to acknowledge difficulty – but someone who looked directly at hard things and asked what could be done about them.
“She dedicated her life to dementia research – as a participant and as an advocate. She was a tireless voice for families who felt isolated by a diagnosis the world didn’t yet fully understand.
“The progress we’re seeing in dementia research today is because of people like Carol who want to make the world better for those coming after them, providing hope for the next generation.
“I was so proud to receive this award on Carol’s behalf in recognition of her tireless work and her determination to make a difference.”
Carol Jennings was given the Honorary Doctorate during Dementia Action Week and just ahead of Alzheimer’s Society’s annual Forget Me Not Appeal, the charity’s flagship fundraising appeal which encourage people to donate and receive a Forget Me Not badge.
Every Forget Me Not tells a story and brings us closer to research breakthroughs that will improve how we diagnose and treat dementia and helps provide vital support for people living with it today.
Donate and receive your Forget Me Not at alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenotappeal.
