3D print highlights reality of dementia
In the latest in a string of projects to support Alzheimer’s Research UK, Ricoh has used its 3D printing technology to show the physical effects of the diseases behind dementia and more commonly, Alzheimer’s.
Tuesday, 01 Oct 2019 10:08 GMT
Ricoh 3D printing technology was used to create models of the brain to show the effect of the disease
In its Dementia Uncovered campaign, Alzheimer’s Research UK teamed up with actor Simon Pegg in a powerful awareness short film which highlights the impact of dementia on the brain.
Using real data from MRI brain scans, the film challenges the idea that dementia is a natural part of aging.
Using the Ricoh AM S5500P to 3D-print models of the brain, the film – created by Bristol-based Aardman – highlights the difference between a healthy brain and one that has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
What is often misunderstood is that the disease destroys cells, causing the brain to shrink at four times the rate of normal aging.
Dementia is one of the world’s greatest medical challenges and I believe that corporations like Ricoh have an important role to play in raising awareness and making a real impact on the future”
The condition now affects 50 million people around the world, and Ricoh and Alzheimer’s Research UK’s pan-European partnership aims to accelerate the rate in which scientists can slow or even stop the diseases behind dementia.
Javier Diez-Aguirre, vice president of corporate marketing, CSR and environment at Ricoh, comments: “I am proud of the campaign we are running with our friends at Alzheimer’s Research UK. Dementia is one of the world’s greatest medical challenges and I believe that corporations like Ricoh have an important role to play in raising awareness and making a real impact on the future.”
Ricoh and Alzheimer’s Research UK recently launched Printed Memories, a service to transform digital photos into personalised postcards to be sent to loved ones with dementia around Europe.
Pegg adds: “Dementia Uncovered […] reminds us of the promise of research in finding answers to these diseases and captures a growing ambition to create breakthroughs.”
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