This Dementia Action Week, we are highlighting the vital role research plays in improving the lives of people living with dementia, both now and in the future.
Dementia affects millions of people and families across the UK, and research is key to helping us better understand the condition, improve diagnosis, develop new treatments, and support people to live well.
However, many people are still not given the opportunity to take part in research. Recent findings from Alzheimer’s Society and the UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN) highlight that around 80% of people living with dementia were not informed about research opportunities following their diagnosis, despite many wanting to take part.
Expanding access to dementia research
To help address this gap, Alzheimer’s Society and UKDTN have launched the UK’s first network of dementia research nurses, helping to ensure that more people, regardless of background, have the opportunity to be involved in life-changing research.
Here at the Trust, this work is supported by Senior Research Nurse Liana Dunn, who is helping to connect patients, families, and services with research opportunities.
Liana said:
“We know that many people living with dementia would like the opportunity to take part in research, but don’t always get the chance. Our role is to help bridge that gap - making research more visible, more accessible, and more inclusive for everyone. By taking part, people can play an active role in shaping the future of dementia care.”
A diverse portfolio of dementia research
We are currently supporting a wide range of dementia studies, reflecting the breadth of research taking place locally and nationally. These include:
- Improving diagnosis: The READ-OUT study is exploring whether simple blood tests could make diagnosing dementia quicker, more accurate, and more accessible for diverse populations.
- Developing new treatments: The TRONTIER-2 study is investigating a potential treatment designed to remove harmful proteins from the brain in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Supporting different types of dementia: The COBALT study is looking at new ways to improve treatment for people living with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia.
- Enhancing quality of life: The ADAGIO-2 study is focusing on managing agitation in Alzheimer’s disease - one of the most challenging symptoms for patients and their families.
Together, these studies highlight the importance of research across the whole dementia pathway, from diagnosis through to treatment and ongoing support.
Making research more inclusive
A key focus of our current research is ensuring that studies better reflect the communities they serve. This includes reaching people who are often underrepresented in research, such as older adults, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those living with multiple health conditions.
By making research more inclusive, findings can be more relevant and lead to improved care for everyone.
Get involved in research
Taking part in research can help shape the future of dementia care, and there are opportunities for people at different stages of their journey.
We encourage anyone interested in learning more about dementia research to get in touch.
Contact the Research and Development Team by email: research@lscft.nhs.uk.
