Research and evidence
A collection of research focusing on the most prominent subjects relating to young onset dementia, gathered by members of the Young Dementia Network Steering Group and other experienced researchers.
Current research studies
Taking part in young onset dementia research can provide an opportunity for people whose lives are affected by young onset dementia to contribute to the future of dementia care and treatment and to make a positive difference.
Listed below are some dementia research opportunities that may be of interest:
Exploring the barriers faced when trying to obtain a young onset dementia diagnosis: from a carer’s perspective
This postgraduate research study is looking for volunteers aged 18+ to participate in a project looking into the barriers faced when trying to obtain a young onset dementia diagnosis from a carer’s perspective. Volunteers must be/have been a carer for someone with young onset dementia for at least six months. For more information email Imogen Dodd at PSYIDODD@ljmu.ac.uk or read the information sheet here.
(February 2025)
Social health in people with young onset dementia
People who have young onset dementia have different experiences in their social life compared with those who are older. This study aims to investigate the social health in a selected sample of people who have young onset dementia symptoms or a diagnosis to explore the factors that influence social health. The researcher is keen to interview people with young onset dementia who live at home, not residential settings such as nursing homes. Find out more here.
(January 2025)
What support is available for athletes living with young onset dementia?
Are you living with young onset dementia in the UK and participated in high-impact sports? If so, researchers from the University of Liverpool would love to hear how the diagnosis has impacted you and the support you have received. You can find out more here or contact Thomas Faulkner at twfaulk2@liverpool.ac.uk
(December 2024)
Tourism and travel for younger people living with dementia
This research project aims to explore the lived experiences and meaning of tourism and travel occupations or activities for younger people living with dementia and their influence on health and wellbeing. If you are from the UK, aged under 65, have a diagnosis of dementia and are interested in taking part, you can find out here or contact Catriona at catriona.conway@students.plymouth.ac.uk
(November 2024)
Exploring the meaning and experiences of hope for people with young onset dementia
This research is asking asking people who have a diagnosis of young onset dementia about their hope, what it means to them and their experiences of hope. They are conducting interviews that will last approximately one hour either in person, on the phone or via video call. View the study poster here. To find out more, please contact Siobhan Heard S.HEARD-2018@hull.ac.uk
(October 2024)
Are you or a loved one living with young onset dementia in south east England?
Researchers from Younger People with Dementia are running a study to obtain first hand experience of the support received following a diagnosis of young onset dementia. They are specifically focusing on people with a different cultural background to that of white British. The research will involve 1-2 hours of time and will be interview based. You can view the study poster here. To find out more please contact Charlie Draper at Charlie.draper@ypwd.info
(September 2024)
DYNAMIC (Dementia at YouNger Ages – Mapping Ideal Care): Improving social care for people with young onset dementia and their families
DYNAMIC (Dementia at YouNger Ages – Mapping Ideal Care): Improving social care for people with young onset dementia and their familiesThe Young Dementia Network is proud to support the University of Bradford’s DYNAMIC study which aims to identify, prioritise and produce recommendations and resources to address improvements in social care for people with young onset dementia and their families. For more information contact Professor Jan Oyebode, email j.oyebode@bradford.ac.uk
For more dementia research opportunities, please visit Join Dementia Research.