People with dementia and family carers urged to participate in research

A new dementia research service created and managed by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) in collaboration with the Dementia Research Network Ireland (DRNI) called TeamUp For Dementia Research, has been launched and will help people living with dementia and their families find and take part in dementia-related research projects across Ireland.

With less than 0.5% of people with dementia currently participating in research in Ireland, this service aims to increase participation and connect people with opportunities to take part in research in a safe way that puts the people who use our services and the public first. Studies in the area of dementia could include topics such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and cure.

Research is essential to help understand what causes dementia, develop effective treatments, improve care, create new interventions and even one day find a cure. The ASI is fully aware that people living with dementia and their families can benefit from participating in research; many people find it a rewarding experience and enjoy having their voice heard and contributing.

This project is part-funded by the Donate for Dementia fundraising and awareness week.

The launch of this new service comes alongside recent news of the aduhelm drug which The ASI has stated as being hopeful and cautiously optimistic about. There is also news that The Health Research Board (HRB) has funded a Dementia Clinical Trials Network (€1,000,000) to strengthen and increase the number of clinical trials available for people living with dementia in Ireland by 2026.