A new £1m research programme will aim to improve end-of-life care for people with dementia, one of the most under-served areas in UK healthcare.
Although dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, people living with the condition often receive poorer end-of-life care compared to those with other terminal illnesses.
Alzheimer’s Society and Marie Curie are jointly investing in five pioneering research projects focused on improving how end-of-life care is delivered to people with dementia, and the families, friends and carers who support them.
The research will explore practical, evidence-based solutions including new tools, models of care, and improved coordination between health and social care services.
The UK is currently home to almost 1 million people with dementia, a number expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. Despite this, dementia remains one of the most overlooked areas in end-of-life care.
All projects are grounded in real-world impact and shaped by the voices of people with lived experience of dementia.
The five areas of research will include:
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Supporting homecare workers to provide better end-of-life support
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Measuring death literacy among dementia carers
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Reducing unnecessary hospital admissions through better community care
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Improving palliative care for people with rare dementias
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A fifth project, to be announced soon
Alzheimer’s Society said: “Every person living with dementia deserves to live and die with dignity — supported by trained professionals, in a place of their choosing, and with the right care at the right time.”
In a joint statement, the organisations said they are committed to transforming end-of-life care for people living with dementia and addressing the long-standing gaps that have left many families without proper support.