Dementia Research in Scotland

Scotland’s dementia research community has strong tradition of impactful research with outcomes that improve the lives of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Visit our Research Themes page for an overview of the types of ongoing research taking place in Scotland.

See below for some of the work of researchers, and how we can help you with your research.

Promoting Research

 

The SDRC works to celebrate the ongoing work of researchers.

If you have something you would like to share with the SDRC membership, please get in touch. 

Scottish dementia and brain health research in 2022 in numbers

We attracted 54 research grant awards, totaling £14.5 million in research grants

Over 700 Scottish-based researchers contributed to a research paper or grant award

Scottish-based researchers published over 300 papers into scientific journals

    We collaborated with 2200 international researchers in 49 countries

    Research spotlight: blog

    Celebrating Scottish Research Award Winners 2024

    We have produced a report based on the findings of how COVID-19 has impacted our members’ research- with particular focus on ECRs

    SDRC Annual Report 2022/23: Diagnosis

    This blog is an extract from the SDRC Annual Report 2022/23, dedicates a section to the progress and ongoing work of each of the SDRC research themes.  This blog is from the Diagnosis theme, written by theme leads Dr Terry Quinn and Dr Jennifer Macfarlane. Summary of...

    Research Strategy Oversight Board Chair: Henry McLeish

    The Scottish Dementia Research Consortium, Brain Health Scotland and Alzheimer Scotland are delighted to announce the appointment of Henry McLeish as the Chair of the Scottish Brain Health and Dementia Research Strategy Oversight Board.  In July 2021, the SDRC,...

    COVID Impact on ECRs: Angela Gregory

    You may have read over the past few weeks we have been sharing blogs from Early Career Researchers on how COVID has been impacting their research and career prospects. Today's blog is by Angela Gregory, PhD Student at the University of the West of Scotland and...

    Evaluating the social impact of dementia friendly walking football

    Read the SDRC guest blog below by Dr Rhoda Macrae from the University of the West of Scotland. This blog relates to her research into the impact of the Dementia Friendly Walking Football programme, led by Alzheimer Scotland. Dr Eilidh Macrae and Dr Rhoda Macrae (no...

    How to organise a virutal conference: Our experience from the SDRC Conference 2020

    The SDRC’s first ever virtual annual conference took place earlier this month. It was our first ever all-virtual event and, I am pleased to say, feedback has been positive. As much as we love face-to-face events, there is still uncertainty as to when and to what...

    Early Career Researchers: Ilaria Pina

    Today's blog in SDRC's series from PhD Students and Early Career Researchers is by Ilaria Pina. You can read the full blog series so far here, and keep up to date with the rest of the series, as well updates of all SDRC activity by following us on Twitter.  Hi! I’m...

    The launch of the SDRC Annual Report 2019/20

    The SDRC Annual Report 2019/20, launched on Monday 20th April, outlines what is new in dementia and brain health research in Scotland in the past 12 months. Once again, we are able to show the truly amazing quantity, quality and diversity of research happening...

    COVID Impact on ECRs: Katie Gambier-Ross

    If you have been following on the SDRC website, you will have seen our blog series featuring some wonderful Early Career Researchers and student, sharing insights on how COVID has been impacting their research and career prospects, as well as some helpful tips for all...

    Early Career Researchers: Miles Welstead

    Following on from our very successful August PhD student and Early Career Researcher blog series, we have many more blogs to share with you during September! Our first one is by Miles Welstead.  Follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with the series. I am a PhD...

    Research spotlight: video

    video coming soon

    Are you a researcher that would like to feature in this spotlight section? Get in touch to write a blog or share a video with us!

    How can I get involved in dementia research in Scotland?

    Join Dementia Research

    Anybody over the age of 18 can take part in dementia research in Scotland. The first step is signing up to support vital research studies across the nation. 

    Join Dementia Research is UK-wide service which allows you to register your interest to take part in dementia research and be matched to suitable studies. The register is open to anyone – so you do not need to have a diagnosis of dementia or any family history of the illness. You can also sign up someone else to the register, if you have their consent to do so.

    Visit the Join Dementia Research website for more information. You can also find out more about volunteering for dementia research studies by calling Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 Hour helpline on  0808 808 3000

    Supporting Research

    Funding and Career Opportunities

    Funding Opportunity: SPIN-D Network small grants for early career researchers

    Amount: £400-£2000, or up to £24000 depending on project typeLocation: any University or recognised Research Institution SPIN-D is pleased to announce the first call for projects under the Flexible Funding initiative, aimed at Early Career Researchers.  The SPIN-D...

    Do you have insights to share with other researchers? Write a blog for the SDRC!

    We are always looking for SDRC members to feature on our website and write a guest blog for the SDRC. You may already be familiar with our blog series, where we welcome contributions from people with an experience of brain health or dementia research. Blogs are an...

    Research studies recruiting volunteers

    Share your experience: Dementia diagnosis process

    Do you have experience with the dementia diagnosis process? Support this research study at the University of Strathclyde Sarah-Jayne Hamilton from the University of Strathclyde is looking for people with memory concerns of mild cognitive impairment to join an...

    Take part in research: dementia diagnosis in the autistic community

    Lynsey Stewart, from University of Strathclyde, is recruiting participants for a research study. Lynsey's research project addresses the problem of dementia among autistic individuals.  See below for more information on how to get involved.  Project title: Improving...

    Research Study: Young onset dementia

    Are you younger than 65? Do you have young onset dementia symptoms? Do you live at home? Ziyue Want, from the University of Galway is recruiting for a research study which will help to develop a programme to improve social health of people with young onset dementia. ...

    Are you an Early Career Researcher?

     

    The SDRC understand the specific challenges that early career researchers have in their career. 

    Therefore we have created a range of resources dedicated specifically for early career researchers to support them in their development. 

    Webinars

    Educational content which offers practical education on specific elements of dementia or brain health research. Or masterclasses which will give advice on career progressions.

    Speakers are experts in their fields.

    Mentorship

    We assign early career researchers to a more experienced academic who will give one-to-one advice and support. 

    This programme is currently paused but SDRC members will be notified once it restarts.

    Useful links

    We know the dementia and brain health landscape can be intimidating to those new to research in this area.

    Visit our Useful Links page to get an overview of organisations that are relevant to research and academia.

    How can I be a part of the SDRC?

    The SDRC is the biggest network of dementia and brain health research in Scotland. We all work together to celebrate and grow the research community.

    Membership is free and open to all.