Dementia is a major area of research within CPEC. A number of studies
have determined the costs of dementia, the outcomes and cost implications of
making better use of treatment, of specific interventions, and of support from unpaid carers. Others have evaluated, or are evaluating, evidence-based interventions, such as goal-orientated cognitive rehabilitation of early-stage Alzheimer's disease and individual cognitive stimulation therapy.
Key findings
- Dementia costs more than £26 billion each year in the UK
- Dementia costs £1.4 billion a year in Wales
- Physical inactivity, current smoking, diabetes, hypertension in mid-life, obesity in mid-life and depression increase the risk of dementia. Mental activity can reduce the risk of dementia
- The manual-based coping intervention START for carers, when added to treatment as usual, is cost-effective compared with treatment as usual alone.
Current studies
The IDEAL study is a longitudinal cohort study using a mixed methods approach to find out what social and psychological factors support or hinder the ability of people and their families to live well with any type of dementia or similar problems.
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The MODEM project is exploring how changes in arrangements for the future treatment and care of people living with dementia, and support for family and other unpaid carers, could result in better outcomes and more efficient use of resources.
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The PERFECTED programme is developing and piloting evidence-based interventions to improve the hospital care of physical and mental health problems in people living with dementia.
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The ROADMAP programme is developing the foundation for an integrated data environment and framework for real-world evidence in Alzheimer’s disease.
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The STRiDE programme will build research capability in using economics, epidemiology and policy analyses to help low and middle-income countries respond to the needs of the growing numbers of people with dementia in an ethical and sustainable way.
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The SYMBAD study is a pragmatic, multi centre, double-blind, placebo controlled randomised trial to assess the safety, clinical and cost effectiveness of mirtazapine or carbamazepine in patients with Alzheimer's Disease and agitated behaviours.
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