StepUp for Dementia Research helps many different types of studies. These studies include but are not limited to
- surveys about what works in improving quality of life for people with dementia and their carers;
- drug trials;
- longitudinal follow-up studies for people who do not have dementia, but may be at risk based on family history, genetic testing or brain imaging;
- intervention studies, where a behavioural change such as diet, socialising or exercise is introduced and research is conducted on whether this improves outcomes; or
- genetic and brain imaging studies to identify risk factors, biomarkers and possible drug targets for dementia.
The service is designed to match people with appropriate research studies based on their health information and research interests. There are studies focused on each type and stage of dementia, as well as lots of research participation opportunities for people without dementia.
All studies on the service have ethical approval. This means that they have been reviewed by independent panels to make sure there are protections for the rights, safety and wellbeing of participants.