Dementia affects not only memory and cognition, but identity, relationships, confidence, and wellbeing. In this blog, Linda O’Raw, LEND Programme Manager, writes about the Lived Experience Narratives in Dementia (LEND) Programme. For many people, the period following diagnosis can feel particularly isolating, with limited support focused on how to live well with the condition. The […]

A man living with Alzheimer’s disease says his condition feels like he is “disappearing”. He is taking part in research as he seeks to benefit himself and others in the future. Alan Cope, 69, a former parish councillor, signed up to the READ-OUT – REAl world Dementia OUTcomes: Observational Study. The READ-OUT study aims to […]

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 […]

John Desmond’s wife, Linda, was diagnosed with semantic dementia in 2021, at 67 years old. Semantic dementia, also known as frontotemporal dementia, is a rare form of the condition that affects Linda’s ability to use and understand words. Linda was working as a pharmacist in 2018 when she first noticed the changes in herself that […]

Dementia is not a normal part of getting older. It’s caused by illnesses that affect the brain, including the areas that control memory and thinking. These changes can develop gradually over time. There are currently no treatments available on the NHS that can slow down, stop or prevent the condition. However, there are now more […]

Dementia is estimated to affect 50 million people across the world. It is also predicted to double every 20 years. People with dementia often need care to ensure their needs are met.  To improve care, researchers studied older people with dementia living at home. They found that people with dementia valued formal caregivers who showed authentic […]

Almost a quarter of people in the UK choose to eat cereal for their go-to breakfast choice on a typical weekday. But could this everyday food staple help our memory and thinking? A new study is looking into nutrient-enriched breakfast to see if it will support brain function and mood.  How could cereal help our […]

Labhpreet Kaur is a PhD student at the University of Sheffield looking to improve the diagnosis of dementia and memory problems. She is carrying out research on how we can use AI to include experiences of family members and caregivers to improve diagnosis of dementia. She is part of the research group that has developed […]

New research has found why living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood may increase the risk of dementia. Researchers from the University of Cambridge have found a link between living in a deprived area and damage in the brain’s blood vessels. Poor lifestyle factors also increased the risk. People in these areas experience worse memory and thinking […]

A new study is finding out whether smart-glasses could provide support for people with dementia for their everyday activities around the house. The study will test an app called CrossSense which links to the smart-glasses. The app will provide audio and visual support for people with dementia. The aim is to help them interact with […]