Researching the ‘obvious’: Evidence for better dementia support

Alzheimer’s Society funds research to find a cure for dementia. However, we’re also committed to research that will improve the quality of care for people who are living with the condition.      

For the best dementia care and support, we need to understand what really helps people to have the best quality of life. We also need to prioritise resources and funding for this, and one of the research projects I work on – IDEAL – is a prime example.

‘For us to influence people making decisions in government and elsewhere, this is the evidence we need,’ says Nicola. 

IDEAL researchers are interviewing over 1,500 people with dementia and more than 1,200 friends and relatives who support them, asking a huge range of questions about their lives. This will enable the researchers to work out what things make the most difference to their quality of life. 

The findings of this kind of research can sometimes feel obvious, especially if you have your own experience of dementia. However, for us to influence people making decisions in government and elsewhere, this is the evidence we need – to get their attention and make a case for the kinds of care and support that we know are vital. 

We rely on your support and involvement to ensure that the right research helps to create the change we all want to see.