Dementia Support Line
Take part in dementia research
Anyone can take part in research and make a difference
Dementia research is for everyone – you don’t need to have a diagnosis to take part. You may be a carer, family member, friend or just someone who wants to make a difference.
Alzheimer's Society is a charity partner in a service called Join Dementia Research which connects volunteers with research studies recruiting participants.
There are lots of ways you can help make a difference:
- share your story with a quick survey
- have a quick blood test or brain scan
- test out cool new tech or treatments
- try out new methods of support.
Dementia research offers hope
I would like to underline how easy and rewarding it is. You are doing something good, not only for yourself but possibly for future generations.’
Jean, sharing her experience of participating in dementia research.
Research offers hope for the future. It is only through research that we can understand what causes dementia, develop effective treatments, and one day find a cure.
Research offers help now. It is through research that we can improve the care and support for those affected by dementia.
How to get a dementia diagnosis
If you are seeking a diagnosis, you should contact your GP first.
Our symptoms checklist can help you describe your symptoms to a GP or healthcare professional.
You can also call our Support Line for advice on 0333 150 3456.
Anyone over the age of 18 can sign up to take part in dementia research, including people with or without a diagnosis of dementia. You can register on behalf of someone else as long as you have their consent.
Register your interest in dementia research.
Clinical trials help us learn about how safe and effective new treatments are. However, there are a limited number of trials testing these medications for dementia operating in the UK. We are working to change this.
Different types of research look at how people’s brains change when they have dementia or uncover new ways to diagnose the diseases that cause dementia. For this research, you may be asked to:
Other research you may participate in may test new therapies or technologies which help people maintain their independence, help loved ones support those with a diagnosis, or better equip healthcare professionals to advise people.
If there are any studies that look like they will suit you, the study teams will contact you to discuss what is involved. You can ask as many questions as you need to before deciding whether or not to participate. There is no obligation to take part if you are matched to a study.
Clinical trials are an important form of research through which researchers and pharmaceutical companies test drugs that may help with symptoms of diseases that cause dementia, and more recently drugs that may slow the progression of these diseases.
Some people would like to help with dementia research but may worry about the safety of clinical trials or that all studies involve taking new drugs.
The dementia research opportunities that we can offer are part of a service delivered by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in partnership with Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer Scotland and Alzheimer's Research UK.
It's a secure service which links people who are interested in taking part in dementia research with a wide range of approved research studies, including clinical trials, as well as other studies that don't involve drugs.
All of the studies have ethical approval, which requires researchers to submit their work to be reviewed by an independent ethics committee. The committee ensures that the study is well designed, and that the rights, safety and wellbeing of research participants will be protected.
If you are interested in taking part in dementia research, or want more information, vist the Join Dementia Research website and sign up.
If you prefer, you can also register your details over the phone, or talk to our specialist helpdesk to explore the different types of research you could be involved in and the benefits of taking part.
Call our UK support line on 0333 150 3456 and ask for the Join Dementia Research helpdesk.