Joint Dementia Research, a scheme to match researchers with members of the public willing to take part in studies, has been launched.
Join Dementia Research is an online and phone service, funded by the Department of Health and NHS England, which helps people find the projects that most suit them.
Dementia affects more than 850,000 people across the UK and according to government figures, fewer than 5 per cent of people with the condition currently take part in studies.
Anyone over 18 – whether they have been affected by dementia or not – can register with Joint Dementia Research. By registering people give permission for scientists to contact them with studies that fit their profiles. Projects vary from trials of new dementia treatments to surveys looking at how to improve patients' quality of life.
The scheme has already been piloted across north London for the last six months, with more than 1,600 people signing up and some 200 participating in studies.
Professor Martin Rossor, Director of the NIHR Queen's Square Dementia Biomedical Research Unit, said: "The government and charities have increased funding for dementia research over the last few years, meaning more studies are being done than ever before, but it is often difficult to find willing volunteers at the right time. Growing the number of willing research volunteers will help push forward research to make advances in treatment, prevention and care."
The launch came in the same week the government announced plans to invest over £300 million in dementia research and medical innovation. This includes establishing an international dementia research institute in England which aims to transform efforts to find a cure for dementia and help carers and patients living with the condition.
Join Dementia Research is a collaboration between the BRC, National Institute for Health Research, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer's Scotland and UCL Partners.
Visit www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk to find out more.
