Are you living with dementia or memory problems in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire or Oxfordshire? Have you not taken part in a research study related to dementia or memory problems?

If the answer is yes to both these questions then you could help NHS researchers get better at running studies into dementia and memory problems that could make a real difference to peoples’ lives. 

The NHS wants to hear your views through a video call discussion with other people affected by dementia and memory problems on Tuesday 8 March from 2pm to 3pm. 

The discussion will be about:

• What do you know about research?
• Why might you or others not want to take part in research?

While carers are welcome to help people join, the discussion itself is only for people living with dementia or memory problems.

At the moment, many people with dementia and memory problems take part in research studies into tests and treatments such as medication and counselling. However, a lot of people with dementia and memory problems do not take part. This means people with dementia and memory problems are less represented and tests and treatments may not be suitable for different types of people. 

You are invited to a video call discussion (register at this link) with up to 10 people with dementia and memory problems to give your views on research. There’s no right or wrong answer – we want to learn from your views. You don’t have to give your name or activate your camera during the session and you can contribute as little or as much as you wish, you won’t be asked to speak.

Your views will help researchers better understand why some people choose not to take part in research. For example, some may want to take part, but don’t know how. Or they may have concerns about what taking part involves. By understanding these reasons, researchers can look at what can be done to encourage more people to take part in research studies.

The one-hour session (approx) will be led by an NHS healthcare professional. You don’t need to know anything about research to take part – we still want to hear your views. 

To sign up to the session please visit this link or tinyurl.com/dementianihr. For information contact comms.crnthamesvalley@nihr.ac.uk 

This event has been organised by the NIHR Clinical Research Network Thames Valley and South Midlands, which supports the delivery of research in the NHS, with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford.