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Recent stats revealed that 10,000 study participants have been involved in vital dementia research thanks to an innovative service run by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
Join Dementia Research was launched back in February 2015. The service aims to accelerate dementia research by making it easy for members of the public to find out about studies they may be able to take part in and helping researchers find the people they need for their studies.
Welcoming the recent milestone reached by the Join Dementia Research service, Jim Pearson, Director of Policy and Research at Alzheimer Scotland, said: “With dementia now Scotland’s most pressing public health issue it is absolutely vital that we continue to support dementia research. Research brings us hope for better care today, prevention tomorrow and for a cure and everyone can play a role in that. It is only through research that we might better understand dementia, improve standards of care, and work towards delaying or preventing the condition.”
Wendy Mitchell, 62, was diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2014 and has taken part in a number of research studies. Wendy added: “Being involved in research makes me feel valued. When you’re diagnosed with dementia there’s not a lot you can do but develop coping strategies to outmanoeuvre the disease. However taking part in research makes me feel as though I’m doing something which might help stop my daughters feeling the same inevitability a diagnosis currently brings. And research doesn’t just mean clinical trials. Social research is equally important for finding the best ways to live for those of us already diagnosed. Taking part in research is my way of feeling useful again and contributing to finding that elusive treatment which in turn will create a better world for my children.”
If you want to find out more about how you can get involved with dementia research call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 Hour Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or click here to visit Alzheimer Scotland’s ‘Research’ webpage.