In 2026, we are marking the 11th anniversary of Join Dementia Research. For over a decade, the service has helped people across the UK take part in vital dementia research.

People can sign up to Join Dementia Research to show their interest in taking part in dementia research. Once signed up, they are matched to suitable studies. It’s run by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, Alzheimer’s Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society.

The service was set up on 24 February 2015 by Professor Martin Rossor and Adam Smith of the University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology. 

Since 2015, over 110,000 volunteers have taken part in dementia research through the service. The service has helped researchers recruit participants to over 770 studies. These studies are contributing to important advancements in diagnosis, treatment and care for those with the condition and their carers. 

As we celebrate this anniversary, we look back at the innovations in diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Diagnosing dementia

Early diagnosis is key to better care. It allows earlier access to treatments and helps those affected by dementia plan for the future. Researchers are working to make diagnosis more accurate and accessible:

  • Blood tests could help diagnose dementia more accurately and earlier than was previously possible. They could also help diagnose different types of dementia, meaning people will be able to access the right treatment and support for them.
  • New MRI technology is being tested in the UK that could cut scan times from 45 minutes down to just 5 or 10 minutes, making it much easier for patients who feel anxious in scanners.
  • Researchers are also developing eye scans, reflecting our growing understanding of how dementia affects the body.
  • New diagnostic criteria mean healthcare professionals across the world could work to the same standards for diagnosing vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.

Treating dementia

The last decade has seen big advancements in the way we’re able to treat dementia and slow the progression of the condition:

Dementia care

Ensuring people living with dementia have access to good quality care is just as important as early diagnosis and innovative treatments. Research is supporting improvements in dementia care:

  • New evidence-based training and education programs have been found to be effective and easy to use by social care staff. The use of these interventions has shown an improved quality of life for people with dementia.
  • Carers, like John, are taking part in research looking into support for carers. CareCoach provides participants with learning and coaching support, to see whether it has an effect on their sense of being able to care well and their quality of life.
  • Research is also looking into ways of helping people with dementia to stay independent and live at home for as long as possible.

A huge thank you to the volunteers who are registered with Join Dementia Research. Your contributions can help make a difference to people living with dementia and their carers.

Take part

Want to get involved? If you’re not registered yet, you can sign up to Join Dementia Research today and be part of the future of dementia care.