DEMENTIA is a devastating condition and with the number of sufferers expected to rise to more than one million by 2021 research is all the more important.

A year on from the launch of the ground breaking new service - Join Dementia Research - which allows people with and without the condition to find research studies in their area, people with dementia are now being urged to consider volunteering for research studies.

Since its launch on February 24 last year as part of the Prime Minister's Challenge of Dementia, which is working towards increased numbers of people with dementia participating in research, almost 16,000 people have signed up yet only one in 10 of those currently registered with the service have a diagnosis of dementia and more people with diseases such as Alzheimer's are being asked to come forward.

Only one in three dementia research studies recruit sufficient volunteers within a year and this challenge can significantly slow down the progress being made towards better care, new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

The initiative is funded by the Department of Health and delivered in partnership with the National Institute for Health Research, Alzheimer Scotland, Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society.

Roger Clarke, from Nab Wood, whose wife Bronwyn is in the advanced stages of the condition, says: "It's too late for us to participate now because of the advanced nature of Bronwyn's condition, but we would have welcomed this with open arms when she was in the early stages."

"Our worker from the Alzheimer's Society was our lifeline and key to accessing provision of all kinds."

There are currently 69 research studies on Join Dementia Research including over 40 specifically looking for volunteers with dementia or memory problems. More than 10 large drug trials are testing potential new treatments for dementia, including a trial of the diabetes drug liraglutide in people with Alzheimer’s disease, which was able to reverse memory impairments in earlier animal studies.

Other projects currently looking for participants include a study identifying genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, a study investigating what helps people to live well with dementia; and a study testing online brain training in people over 50 who do not have dementia.

Government Minister for Life Sciences, George Freeman said: “I am delighted that so many people have signed up to Join Dementia Research in its first year and are now taking part in potentially life-changing studies.

“But I hope this is the only the beginning and would encourage more people, and especially people with dementia, to join this vital service so everyone can help in our fight against this condition”.

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Join Dementia Research is already showing its potential in making the UK one of the best places in the world to conduct cutting-edge dementia research and providing a variety of opportunities for people with the condition to engage with the latest developments. It’s really important to spread the word about the service to provide everyone with dementia, and their loved ones, the opportunity to get involved.”

Dr Doug Brown, Director of Research and Development at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Research is essential for us to make progress towards new dementia treatments and better care, but it can also empower people with dementia and their families to learn more about the condition and benefit from extra support. For more information or to get help signing up, call Alzheimer’s Society’s National Dementia Helpline.”

Join Dementia Research is open to anyone over the age of 18 and people can act as a representative to register a loved one, including someone who has dementia who may find it difficult to register themselves or manage their own account. Approved researchers looking for study volunteers can then use the service to look for people who match their study criteria and contact them to see whether they are interested in taking part. So far over 4,600 people have already taken part in research studies across the UK.

Anyone interested in volunteering for dementia research can sign up to Join Dementia Research online at www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk or by contacting the charity helplines: Alzheimer’s Scotland 0808 808 3000, Alzheimer’s Research UK 0300 111 5 111, or Alzheimer’s Society 0300 222 1122.