Dementia research
World class researchers are working to understand the complex diseases that cause dementia, enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis and to investigate risk factors throughout life that contribute to the development of dementia.
There are many research projects taking place across the UK and in Oxfordshire. We work closely with researchers in Oxfordshire and we encourage people to take part in studies that are taking place. By taking part in these projects you can support these efforts to find a cure and you may even get the chance to try out cutting-edge treatments.
Researchers from the University of Warwick and University of Oxford have been working on a new project with people affected by dementia, service providers and commissioners to find ways of addressing issues in accessing dementia care support. This has included working closely with Dementia Oxfordshire to ensure that identified solutions are relevant and feasible.
Benefits of taking part
Dementia Oxfordshire encourages people living with dementia and their carers to take part in research because, irrespective of the research benefits, participating in research contributes to people’s well-being and helps people live well with dementia. Specifically we think that taking part in research helps people to:
- Feel involved with something meaningful and develop a sense of making a contribution
- Take an active role in their own healthcare and have more sense of autonomy
- Feel involved with something big and important
- Participate in something that involves social interaction with people they wouldn’t otherwise meet
- Feel in control of their lives
Much dementia research involves talking therapies involving a high level of social interaction. Existing research shows maintaining social interactions and connections is a significant factor in delaying and mitigating the impact of dementia symptoms.
Advice for taking part
Are you thinking of taking part in research but have some concerns?
Researchers and ethics committees want to ensure that participants are treated well and have a positive experience of taking part in research and take steps to do so.
- Details of the studies should be readily available before you start, explaining what it will involve, if there are any associated risks and that your involvement is entirely voluntary, clearly stating your right to withdraw at any point throughout the research project.
- The Alzheimer’s society has put together a blog post on myths around taking part in research projects.
Get involved
Your involvement in research could include one-off questionnaires, surveys with follow up interviews, therapy or intervention provided at home or clinic-based drug studies. There is so much research happening across Oxfordshire and the UK that you can find something to suit your interests, time commitment and comfort levels.
Projects in Oxfordshire
Oxford Health’s Memory and Cognition Research and NIHR Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility – two research teams based in Oxford, who have a number of memory and cognition trials running at any point. They are always looking for people to take part and are keen to talk to people who already have a diagnosis of dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment, as well as informal carers and family.
Oxford Drug Discovery Institute – a research institute run by Alzheimer’s Research UK which aims to accelerate the discovery of novel, effective therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
National projects
Join Dementia Research – a partnership between national dementia charities and the government that allows you to sign up and receive information about research projects you might be suitable for. This is a national scheme so you can sign up wherever you live in the UK.
Donate to a brain bank – donating brain or spinal tissue can help researchers understand changes in the brain better among the healthy population vs someone with dementia. This webpage contains links to various brain banks around the country you can donate to.
Alzheimer’s Research – sign up to receive regular updates about the latest dementia research funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK. You can also take part in their series of online engagement events, Lab Notes, to take a deeper dive into the research they are carrying out.
Carer research
People caring for those with dementia are also a key focal point of research. These research projects aim to help understand and improve the experiences of carers. We’ve previosuly seen research surround carer’s experiences of navigating services, mobility experiences and how COVID-19 has impacted upon their life quality.
These studies generally involve questionnaires, interviews or trialling new online resources.
