Dementia HIT research

The Dementia HIT develops dementia research to inform service provision. Our research workstream is led by Professor Rik Cheston, Professor of Mental Health Research (Dementia), University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).

We have an active patient and public participation network. We value people’s involvement in dementia research across the region because it provides meaningful information about living with dementia. This helps services to better respond to people’s needs, which benefits service users.

How to get involved in dementia research

In our video you can find out about examples of the dementia research we have done and how to get involved in research if you’re interested.

For the latest research updates and opportunities, sign up to the annual Dementia HIT research newsletter.

If you’d like to find out more about dementia research and get involved locally, the NIHR Clinical Research Network has information about becoming a Research Champion.

Case study: being part of research

Hilary Doxford is living with dementia. She is an ambassador and Research Network volunteer for Alzheimer’s Society. Hilary also supports BRACE, is a champion for Join Dementia Research, is a member of World Dementia Council, and a former vice-chair of Alzheimer’s Europe.

Hilary’s husband filmed her talking about the importance of research:

Current dementia research projects

Dementia research projects are taking place across Bristol, Bath, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. You can find completed research projects in our archive.

ADAPT study

Led by Professor Rik Cheston, the ADAPT study is working with South Asian communities to develop an online resource to enhance dementia services for people from these communities who are living with dementia. For more information about how to get involved, please contact Rik on [email protected].

Engaging with communities

Experiences of dementia in Caribbean, Chinese, South Asian and African communities

UWE Bristol spoke to older people and their families from Caribbean, Chinese, South Asian and African communities in Bristol in order to find out about the experiences of people with dementia. Download the full report (PDF) and the report’s supplementary information (PDF) or watch the film below: