Researchers at the University of Bradford hope to make life easier for dementia sufferers and their carers through a pioneering study.

Bradford Dementia Group, based at the university's School of Health Studies, is joining experts from Bangor University and University College, London, to explore the benefits of reminiscence therapy for people with dementia.

The Bradford researchers are working with the Alzheimer's Society in Bradford and will focus on 40 pairs - each one consisting of a person with dementia and a family carer - from the district.

Occupational therapist Hazel May, who has worked with people with dementia for 20 years, is part of the research team being led by University of Bradford lecturer Errollyn Bruce.

Mrs May said: "The unusual feature about this is that we are looking at the impact of involving the family carer in the therapy because some research in Australia indicates dementia care can be more effective if a family carer is involved.

"Reminiscence therapy involves mainly talking. The idea is to enjoy memories in the company of others; to tell your own story and listen to other people. The main idea is to keep communication going.

"A therapist or group leader will provide objects, sounds and pictures to encourage people to talk and share in the group. All the anecdotal evidence from the profession is that it's a very positive intervention."

The study, which secured £213,947 funding from the Medical Research Council, will examine autobiographical memory, the effects of dementia between the person with dementia and the carer, carer stress and anxiety, and depression and anxiety in the person with dementia.

If reminiscence therapy is proved to have a positive effect, it will help people working in the field to secure funding to provide the therapy in the future.

Mrs May said: "It's exciting because this is a talking therapy; a social therapy. I think this can improve things for the person in the here and now, and make life better for people with dementia.

"It will help carers by improving their confidence and self-esteem because being in a group is a very important human activity and carers can get isolated.

"It will also help them to keep their relationship and perception of their partner. People with dementia sometimes find it easier to look into memories than fact. They can become experts in a reminiscence group."

The study needs volunteers to help run the reminiscence groups, which will meet for 12 sessions in the spring and summer.

Volunteers will be given some reminiscence training and must be available to attend all the sessions to support people with dementia by providing one-to-one attention and helping them focus attention on objects or pictures.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call Errollyn Bruce on (01274) 235196.