Completed research

This page summarises completed Dementia HIT research projects.

Home sensor technology for people with dementia (CUBOId) study

There is a pressing need for finding new ways of making an accurate, early diagnosis of dementia. Researchers at the University of Bristol are testing home sensor technology to see if they can identify subtle behavioural changes in people who go on to develop dementia, to see if the technology can be useful as a diagnostic tool. The researchers are looking for participants who have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease. See here for more information about the project or get in touch with Dr James Selwood on [email protected] or 0117 414 8238.

Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) study

The PrAISED (Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia) study is a therapy for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and all dementia types except for Lewy Body dementia. People with memory problems can struggle with everyday activities, are more prone to accidents and may stop doing things they want to do. The purpose of PrAISED is to design a unique therapy package to help maintain the activity, independence and balance of the participant. For more information on this or other studies at the Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE) in Bath, please contact Vanessa Bishop on 01225 476420.

Exercise on referral for people with mild cognitive impairment

A join initiative between Dementia HIT and Active Lives HIT. This was a 12-week intervention, combining group physical exercises with social activity, to help those at risk of cognitive decline and dementia to increase their regular and long-term exercise. Evidence suggests regular physical exercise may improve cognition in later life, particularly when combined with multiple other interventions, including management of metabolic and vascular disease, good dietary intake, cognitive training and social interaction. The service evaluation took place at the Brain Centre, Southmead Hospital.

Read the executive summary | Read the report

Research by Dr Robin Holmes into neuroimaging analysis in dementia

Watch a film explaining this work

A hippocampal imaging study run at CRIC Bristol by the ReMemBr group

• Clinical trials to determine if existing medications help to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, for example the RADAR study
• Psychosocial aspects of dementia, for example exploring changes in quality of life for participants with early diagnosis dementia who attend a living well with dementia group
• Neuroepidemiology to explore the distribution and determinants of dementia, such as the Caerphilly prospective study
• Biomarkers for dementia, such as exploring proteins in the brain
• Improving diagnosis of dementia in general practice