Research and innovation
One of Dementia United’s key strategic aims is to increase access to the benefits of research through awareness, involvement, and participation. To do this, we will:
- Work collaboratively with new and existing academic partner organisations
- Drive Innovation through quality improvement initiatives
- Increase research participation opportunities including through Join Dementia Research
- Horizon scan and embed the latest research into practice
- Promote excellence through national and international research links
- Further develop trailblazer and proof of value projects
- Support the Neurology Academy’s mild cognitive impairment programme
Nationally, only 1% of people eligible to register to take part in dementia research do so, although this is slightly higher in Greater Manchester (2%). We urgently need to increase research participation, particularly amongst under-represented groups. Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer with 1.6 million people projected to be living with dementia by 2040. Now though, research has brought us to a point where we can potentially alter disease progression.
With the advent of new clinical disease modifying treatments, research has provided hope. Whilst the ultimate goal remains a cure, research is also crucial in finding ways to help people live well with dementia and remain independent for as long as possible. One example of this is The Angela Project, the largest study of young onset dementia ever carried out in the UK. Key findings from this study are now informing best practice in diagnosing and supporting younger people with early onset dementia.
Dementia United are committed to increasing research involvement, awareness, and participation, particularly amongst underrepresented populations. We’ve launched a Greater Manchester wide dementia research action group – our network (DRAGON), which will be the voice of lived experience in dementia research across Greater Manchester. You can find out more about the launch event and how to get involved here