Dementia Research

Researchers are finding out more about what causes dementia and how to diagnose it better. They are developing new treatments and ways to improve quality of life for people living with the condition.  Ask your GP or at your memory clinic for further advice about trials in your area.

Key Points

  • You can take part in research if you want, but you don’t have to
  • You can stop at any time if you change your mind
  • Make sure you understand what the research is about and what you will have to do

Alzheimer Scotland  have produced an information sheet on Volunteering for Research into Dementia  for people with dementia or relatives of people with dementia who are considering taking part in research, including donating brain tissue. It looks at the information you should know before you decide to participate (or agree to your relative participating). The term research means different things to different people, but it is essentially about finding out new knowledge that could lead to changes in treatment, policies and care.

Medical research into dementia can be divided into three basic themes: cause, cure, and care

  • Cause: Scientific research at cellular level which will advance our understanding of dementia, particularly its causes, its effects and its diagnosis.  This is done in laboratories
  • Cure: Clinical research into treatment and management of dementia, involving testing of drugs, therapies, etc.
  • Care: Social science research into the best ways of caring for and supporting people with dementia, their partners and families

Alzheimer’s Research UK  has developed a Discovery Lab. Take a journey into the clinic and learn how scientist’s ideas are turned into reality and how this can make a difference for the thousands of people living with dementia.

Join Dementia Research is a way for people to get involved in dementia research. It allows people with and without dementia to register their interest in studies, helping researchers find the right participants at the right time.

Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network (SDCRN) patients and carers may join the register and volunteer to take part in present or future research.