Published on: 4th March 2016
Staff from Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) will be teaming up with Join Dementia Research and the Alzheimer’s Society in a series of community roadshows.
The pioneering roadshows provide an opportunity to put questions to local dementia support workers about the condition which affects about 60,000 people across the East Midlands.
And research and effectiveness staff from LPFT will lend a helping hand to join the roadshow tour bus when it heads to Lincolnshire for three days next week.
For the first time, the event will also be a chance to find out more about Join Dementia Research, which is a campaign run by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Join Dementia Research is a database of people who are interested in taking part in research relating to dementia - its causes, potential cures and everyday care.
The tour kicks off in Lincolnshire and will visit:
• Spalding (by Tonic Health on Westlode Street) on 8 March
• Spilsby (Sainsburys on Boston Road) on 9 March
• Grantham (Downtown/Oldrids on Gonerby Lane) on 10 March
The roadshows are open from 10am – 4pm each day.
They aim to increase local awareness and understanding of the condition and offer free information and advice to anyone with queries about the condition, as well as helping to promote the benefits of an early diagnosis.
They are open to people currently living with dementia, who are worried about a friend or relative’s memory or who just have questions about the condition. No appointment is needed.
Tracy McCranor, LPFT’s research and development coordinator said the team are delighted to be taking part in the innovative roadshows.
The research team is working hard to promote Join Dementia Research. We want to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to register and take part in trials appropriate for them. The response has been very positive and we are really looking forward to being part of the Lincolnshire roadshows.
Diane Smith, Regional Operations Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in the East Midlands, said:
Dementia is one of the biggest health and social care challenges of our generation. Yet it continues to be a condition blighted with stigma and lack of understanding. This can mean that people who are worried about dementia in some way, or simply want to find out more may not know where to turn. The Dementia Community Roadshow is the perfect way to get that information and support out to the people who need it. We’re here to provide people with information about where to get help and encourage those with concerns about their memory to visit their GP.
Research is vital as it can help to understand what causes dementia, develop effective treatments, improve care and hopefully one day to find to a cure. But for research to progress we need more people to take part in more studies.
One of the challenges faced by researchers involved in dementia research is attracting potential participants to get involved in their studies. At the same time, many people are looking for research studies to contribute to and take part in, but don't know where to find out about them.
This is why the NIHR, in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society, has developed 'Join Dementia Research', a new service which allows people to register their interest in participating in dementia research and be matched to suitable studies.
Sign up today at: www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk
Or if you need assistance please call:
Alzheimer’s Research UK 0300 111 5111 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)
Alzheimer’s Society 0300 222 1122 (Monday to Wednesday 9am-8pm, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm)
