A leading dementia support and research charity is inviting members of the public, professionals and people affected by the condition to help shape the future of dementia research.
Alzheimer’s Society is asking people to get involved by submitting questions about dementia that they want to see answered with an aim of identifying priority areas for funding.
Once all of the questions have been collected, they will be checked to ensure they cannot be answered by existing evidence. The unanswered questions will then be used to develop a list of top ten priorities which are most important to the whole community, and therefore could have the biggest impact on people’s lives. These priorities will inform future research to ensure funding is allocated according to the most important gaps in knowledge.
Dr Anne Corbett, Research Manager for Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘One in three people over 65 will develop dementia. The condition has a huge impact on a person’s whole life, as well as their families, carers and the community. It is essential that future research is guided by what the community feels are the greatest priorities.
Alzheimer’s Society is committed to defeating dementia through research. This project is an opportunity for people to have their say and to shape the future of research into dementia. We hope that people both with and without experience of dementia will submit their questions and take part in this important research.’
Claire King, aged 33, who is a Research Network Volunteer for Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘My father lived with dementia for five years. His illness had in impact on a huge range of people, both directly and indirectly. The partnership recognises that Dementia touches the lives of many people, in many different ways. I encourage anyone with a view on what future research priorities should be, to contribute to this important project by completing the survey.’
If you wish to take part in the research, questions about the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of dementia can be submitted online here .
Printed copies of the survey are also available with a free post return address by calling 0207 264 5998.
The closing date for submissions is 31st July 2012.
