Take part in dementia research
Get involved
Research is the only way we’ll find new ways to treat, diagnose and prevent dementia and scientists need your help.
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Without people volunteering to take part in research, finding a cure will be impossible.
Anyone can take part in research. Studies are flexible, optional, and don’t have to involve taking new medicines. Whether you're living with dementia, supporting a loved one, or just want to help future generations, taking part will help to change lives.
On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about taking part in dementia research studies, including who can take part, what's involved and how to get started.
How can I take part in dementia research?
If you'd like to find out about taking part in dementia research, you can sign up to an NHS service called Join Dementia Research.
Join Dementia Research will match you to the dementia research studies that you are suitable for. You can then choose which studies you want to get involved in via your online account.
Studies are online and in-person. You can devote as much or as little time to it as you want.
Some studies take just a few minutes, while others take place over weeks, months or longer. You can choose how much time you want to commit, and you don’t have to take part in every study you’re matched with.
Register to Join Dementia Research
Please note that this service is available to UK residents only.
There are two ways to sign up:
1. Visit Join Dementia Research and sign up online. This should take five to 10 minutes.
2. Fill in the form below to register for a call back from our Dementia Research Infoline. We can answer questions you may have and register you to take part over the phone.
Please note, calls from Alzheimer's Research UK will come from an 0300 or 01223 number.
Frequently asked questions about taking part in dementia research studies
Watch our animation below to find out more about taking part in dementia research:
Why take part in dementia research?
Dementia is the UK's leading cause of death. With almost one million people living with the condition in the UK today, the need for research has never been greater.
But there is hope. Dementia research is at a turning point.
Two new treatments have been licensed in many countries across the world, including for private use in the UK. These medicines are the first to slow early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
These breakthroughs would not have been possible without people taking part in research studies. But there is still work to do.
Taking part in research helps answer these questions. It’s important that lots of different types of people take part in research, so that what we learn and the tests and treatments developed work well for everyone.
To find these answers sooner, we need your help. As well as helping scientists understand more about dementia, many volunteers also find there are personal benefits to taking part.
Taking part in research studies can help you:
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learn more about dementia
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receive regular health checks
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understand how to look after your brain health
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feel you are helping others by contributing to research that may benefit future generations.
Research is the only way that we are going to find ways to prevent dementia and diagnose it earlier. Volunteers who take part in research help to improve outcomes for everyone living with dementia and their families.
Shaheen Larrieux, whose mum was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia
Hear from volunteers Geoff and Marian about the benefits they’ve experienced from taking part in dementia research.
Who can take part in dementia research?
Anyone over the age of 18 can register to take part in dementia research, whether or not they have a diagnosis or any experience of the condition.
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People with a diagnosis of dementia
help researchers understand the condition and its impact
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People without a diagnosis of dementia
help researchers compare dementia and normal ageing, and understand risk over time
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Carers of people with dementia
share their own experiences of supporting someone with dementia
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People with a family history of dementia
help researchers understand what makes someone more likely to develop dementia and how it progresses
Research needs everyone
People from all backgrounds are needed to take part in dementia research. Including people of different ages, ethnicities, health backgrounds and life experiences helps make sure research findings and treatments work for everyone.
I used to think only people with dementia could volunteer to take part in dementia research studies. I signed up for research as a healthy volunteer and now I feel like I’m doing my part to tackle this devastating condition.
Susie Hewer, research volunteer
What types of dementia research studies can I take part in?
There are lots of different ways to take part in dementia research. Some studies can be done from home, while others may involve visits to clinics or hospitals.
Most studies will only involve some of these activities, and you don’t have to take part in studies that involve things you do not want to do.
Here are some examples of research you might be invited to take part in, and what they could involve.
Not sure what type of study would suit you?
Thinking about what feels comfortable for you can help you decide.
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I want something I can do from home
You might prefer online studies, such as surveys or memory tasks you can do in your own time.
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I’m interested in trying new treatments
You may want to find out more about clinical trials, which test new medicines and therapies.
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I don’t have much time
Some studies involve short surveys or one‑off tasks that take very little time.
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I’m happy to attend appointments
Some research involves in‑person visits, such as brain scans, blood tests or health checks.
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I want to share my experience
You could take part in interviews or discussion groups, helping shape future research, care and support.
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I’d prefer not to receive personal results
You might prefer studies like surveys, interviews or online tasks, which don’t usually involve medical tests or provide individual results about your health.
You will always be given clear information before deciding whether to take part, so you can choose what feels right for you.
Other ways to explore research opportunities
If you’d like to explore more options, there are several other ways to get involved in dementia research.
Find out more about taking part in research
Latest news and stories about taking part in research
This information was updated in August 2026 and is due for review in August 2029. It was written by Alzheimer's Research UK's Information Services team with input from lay and expert reviewers. Please get in touch if you'd like a referenced copy.
This information is produced with support from The Perfume Shop who had no input into the content.
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