New research looking at music therapy has found that it could improve care and reduce distress for people living with dementia. The research has benefitted patients on dementia wards, including Richard. He was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2022. His wife, Suzanne, a Special Needs Consultant from Cambridge, says that the music therapy is “a […]

Stephen is a retired social worker who lives in The Wirral, Merseyside. He spoke to us about his experience of participating in an Alzheimer’s research study and why it meant so much to him. Stephen said: “For me, it feels a privilege really to be able to be part of research – and hopefully it’ll […]

In any area of healthcare, the topic of end-of-life is very difficult. It’s hard to talk about for people with a diagnosis, their families and healthcare professionals. But it is important to discuss, particularly with people living with dementia. Research has shown that people who have had end-of-life care conversations early on have an improved […]

Despite not having dementia himself, David Batchelor from Leicester signed up to Join Dementia Research to help others with the condition. David’s health research journey began in 1962 when he took part in a study to treat his ruptured liver aged just 6 years old.  “Research saved my life” He said: “I was playing in […]

After John Hyde was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia aged just 59, he had to retire from his job as a handyman. He immediately wanted to learn more about his condition and find ways to help others affected, so he signed up to Join Dementia Research. Frontotemporal dementia is a relatively uncommon form of dementia that […]

Healthy volunteers aged 40 and over are being invited to take part in a new study using virtual reality to assess how well people navigate their surroundings.  The idea is that this will help researchers spot early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.  What does the study involve? In the first session participants will play a game […]

Mary Stewart-David, a writer and consultant narratologist from South London, spoke movingly about her mother’s dementia diagnosis and how this inspired her to get involved in research.  Mary said: “I got involved in research as a volunteer because I saw my mother through dementia. I am aware that it might affect me in the future. […]

A husband and wife who received a dementia diagnosis in 2013 made a decision shortly after to take part in research to regain a sense of control. Ten years on and they are still embarking on trials, saying the experience has left them feeling empowered, supported and resilient.  Diagnosis Geoff Fenwick formerly worked as a […]

Research Champion and Sunday Times best-selling author Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with young onset dementia at the age of 58. Wendy, who was an NHS Manager for 20 years until 2015 recalls: “I was coming out of my office one day and I didn’t know who I was or who all the people around me […]

More than 60,000 people across the UK have now signed up to Join Dementia Research to be informed of dementia studies they can take part in. Since the service began in 2015, a total of 61,639 people have signed up, with 69,515 enrolments into studies during this period. Professor John O’Brien, NIHR National Specialty Lead […]