Research into dementia care “as important as cure”

A recent survey from dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society and the James Lind Alliance has revealed the top research priorities of people affected by dementia – and has found that research into dementia care is just as important as the search for a cure.

A recent survey from dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society and the James Lind Alliance has revealed the top research priorities of people affected by dementia – and has found that research into dementia care is just as important as the search for a cure.

With many pharmaceutical companies suggesting they may withdraw from dementia research due to failed clinical trials, the charity hopes that the research will “act as a roadmap” for funders in the sector. Other top priorities revealed by the study included keeping individuals with dementia as independent as possible, the impact of receiving an early diagnosis, and the best way to manage behavioural symptoms like aggression.

Chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society Jeremy Hughes commented, “By going directly to people with dementia, carers and professions, this ground-breaking partnership has circumvented received wisdom and set out a clear list of priorities for research.

“In addition to the search for a cure, people with dementia and carers are crying out for research which helps them live well today. We need this to be a blueprint for funders across the sector. One in three people over the age of 65 will develop dementia, so this may be the greatest health and social care challenge Britain faces.”