13 February 2015
Public invited to get involved in dementia research in the West

Researchers from the Universities of Bristol and the West of
England are inviting members of the public to meet with expert
scientists, find out about dementia research in the West, and help
make that research better.
The free event is open to anyone with an interest in dementia
research. The event will be held at UWE's Exhibition and Conference
Centre on Tuesday 31 March from 12.00 to 16.00. It is free of
charge but booking is required - tickets are available online
or by calling on 0117 414 7531. Lunch will be provided.
Organiser Dr Sarah Voss from UWE Bristol and Dr Sam Creavin from
the University of Bristol. Sarah said, "Sam and I attended the 2014
South West Crucible and applied for funding to run an event to
improve patient and public involvement in dementia research.
"It can be difficult to engage with patients and carers for
dementia research for a number of reasons, including the
progression and burden of the illness. The idea of this event
is that we engage with any members of the public who have an
interest in dementia - for example, they may know someone with
dementia or are worried that they might get it - in order to
inform, direct and shape ongoing and future research.
"Leading scientists from the West of England and Wales will give
focussed 10 minute talks about their research and then take
questions. Members of the public may be asked for their opinion on
the research, and will have the opportunity to sign up on the day
to hear more about dementia research in the West."
Sam said, "For members of the public, being involved in research
or science usually means filling out forms, having a special scan
or test, or taking a new medicine, so that researchers can try to
work out how to make things better for patients.
"But there are other ways for the public to be involved in
research. Researchers need advice and input from patients, carers,
and interested members of the public to help understand what the
key issues are and what would most help patients and families.
Tickets for the event are available online through
Eventbrite