StepUp for Dementia Research is a research participation and engagement service, a “one-stop shop” that connects individuals – both with and without dementia – with researchers conducting studies into dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and cure. We make it easier for the brightest minds in research to connect with people willing to donate their time.
Currently, there is no systematic and inclusive way in Australia for people with dementia to express their interest in participating in research. For researchers, recruiting participants for dementia-related studies is costly and time consuming. Delays in finding the right people can result in studies taking longer to deliver, often requiring funding extensions. Insufficient study samples limit the effectiveness and scope of research – the difficulty researchers face when it comes to recruiting participants directly impacts their capacity for robust analysis and the generalisation of findings.
The initial launch of StepUp for Dementia Research will cover New South Wales and Western Australia, ahead of nation-wide scaling in the coming year.
The StepUp for Dementia Research logo was designed by branding agency BrandMatters, in consultation with the StepUp for Dementia Research team and members of the Public Involvement Panel. It represents a sun whose rays form the shape of the Australian continent. At the centre of the logo is the research participant, and the rays (which also evoke ripples in water) are the other StepUp for Dementia Research stakeholders: researchers, health and care professionals, carers, loved ones and the general public.
The ripples evoke the knock-on effect of stepping up to participate in research: the value provided for other people and generations to come.
Please note: This service is in the early implementation phase. Find out more.