ReMind UK are proud to join the UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN) to accelerate dementia trials and improve access for people across Bath & North East Somerset.
ReMind UK is an affiliate partner site of the UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN), a national initiative launched in 2024, with National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) support, to expand the UK’s capacity for early phase dementia clinical trials. ReMind UK will have access to new opportunities for patients to participate in cutting-edge clinical trials via the Dementia Research Nurse pilot programme. These specialist nurses, funded by Alzheimer’s Society, will assist with recruiting people from as many different communities and backgrounds into clinical trials, providing support throughout their research journey.
We’re delighted to become an affiliate of the UKDTN. This partnership reflects the strength and expertise of our research institute, and it opens the door to bringing even more high-quality dementia research to Bath. Most importantly, it gives local patients and their families greater opportunities to take part in shaping the future of dementia therapies.
What is the UKDTN programme
The UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN), is a government backed initiative established in 2024 to expand capacity for early phase dementia trials across the UK. Despite nearly one million people living with dementia nationwide, fewer than 1% of those diagnosed entered early stage trials in 2023/24, a gap the UKDTN aims to close.
Working with UKDTN and Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Research Nurse programme, ReMind UK will connect local people in Bath & North East Somerset to dementia research opportunities, accelerating progress towards new treatments and better care.
The UKDTN brings together researchers, healthcare providers, industry partners, patients and charities in a unified effort to make the UK the ‘go-to’ destination for dementia clinical trials. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the network is laying the groundwork for long term sustainability and excellence in dementia research.
Inclusive and accelerated research
The UK Dementia Trials Network is establishing a dedicated nationwide network of Dementia Research Nurses. Led by Professor Cath Mummery, dementia researcher in the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and UCLH consultant neurologist, the UKDTN’s overarching vision is to establish the UK as a ‘go-to’ place for early clinical trials in dementia. It will do this by significantly boosting the UK’s capacity and ability to recruit to and deliver trials.
ReMind UK’s commitment to advancing dementia care and research in partnership with The Alzheimer’s Society UKDTN Research Nurses programme:
- Will increase the number of people taking part in dementia clinical research studies within the NHS – championing a patient centred, inclusive approach.
- Will reduce barriers which prevent people taking part in clinical trials; focusing on bringing people from a range of backgrounds into dementia research.
- Will raise awareness of the importance of clinical research in improving people’s experience of dementia diagnosis, care and treatment.
- Will support people through their research journey so they have the best possible experience.
There is an urgent need for transformative approaches in dementia research and clinical trials. Access to research and experiences of taking part in research vary hugely and can be difficult to navigate. We have to change the system to ensure everyone with dementia has the opportunity to be involved in research, regardless of geography or demographics.