Dementia Risk Prediction in Areas of Social Deprivation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Dementia Risk Prediction in Areas of Social Deprivation: Views of Key Stakeholders
IRAS ID
324531
Contact name
Eugene Tang
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Dementia is an increasingly common condition, with the number of people with dementia in the UK forecast to almost double by 2040 to around 1.6 million. The UK Government has called for more research into ways of identifying people who do not yet have dementia but have a high chance of developing it, so that early interventions can be developed to reduce their risk. Dementia affects a person’s ability to think (cognition) i.e. the brain’s ability to process, store and recall information. There are many risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia. We know that in particular people living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation are at higher risk of cognitive problems yet often have less access to specialist care for dementia. A number of dementia risk assessment calculators have been developed to assess how likely it is that a person will develop dementia within a certain time based on the information that can for example be held in the GP records. Early identification will allow patients to have increased awareness and acceptance, to receive earlier intervention and to engage in long-term healthcare planning whilst they still have their cognitive abilities. However, it is important to ensure that its use is acceptable to patients and practice staff and that the information it provides is clear, meaningful and useful. Most important is knowing how to discuss an increase in risk of dementia appropriately without causing additional distress to patients. This study is looking to interview patients, doctors, nurses and other members of staff in primary care who may use these calculators in the future for their views. We will interview those that are living in areas of greater deprivation and compare them to areas of more affluence to see if there are differing needs across communities.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0055
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion