Episode #43 – Dr Adjanie Patabendige – Heart Health and Dementia: The Hidden Link Artwork

The Animal Free Labcast

The Animal Free Labcast is hosted by the CEO of Animal Free Research UK, Carla Owen, and is a frank, lively exchange and sharing of ideas and experiences by leading scientists, policy makers and animal protection ambassadors - all of whom seek a kinder science.Carla and her guests cut through the noise to break down why we need to accelerate human relevant science if we are to end the medical emergency - that which is in large part caused by the continued reliance on animals as models for human disease research.Listen in to new episodes every two weeks, starting on June 29, 2022!

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The Animal Free Labcast

Episode #43 – Dr Adjanie Patabendige – Heart Health and Dementia: The Hidden Link

September 26, 2025 • Carla Owen • Season 4 • Episode 43

This week Carla and Dr Gemma Davies speak with Dr Adjanie Patabendige from the University of Derby, who is pioneering animal-free research into how irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) may increase the risk of dementia. Using human cells and lab-grown models of the blood-brain barrier, her work replaces animal-derived materials with human equivalents, offering more relevant results and greater compassion.

We also discuss Herbie’s Law – the proposed plan to phase out animal testing by 2035 – and why investing in human-focused science is better for both patients and animals.

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