The problem

Dementia is a complex condition. Researchers in science and in social science, clinicians, patients and their families need to work together and share information about it.

The project

The HRB-funded Dementia Research Network Ireland (DRNI) links people on the island of Ireland working across areas such as basic science, clinical science, population health, social science and patient advocacy.

The outcomes

  • DRNI connects more than 140 researchers across the island of Ireland, and in particular, facilitates early-stage researchers across science, social science, and public health to work together
  • The organisation has hosted and promoted numerous events, forums and webinars for researchers, clinicians and the public about dementia
  • DRNI and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland launched TeamUp for Dementia Research to help people with dementia and their families take part in research projects across Ireland
  • The network is part of the recently launched Dementia Trials Ireland (DTI), a HRB research network to enhance dementia care and outcomes, which aims to substantially increase the number of dementia clinical trials in Ireland
  • A DRNI survey of researchers identified research priorities for future focus, including improvements in diagnosing dementia and finding more treatments for people with dementia.

Dr Vanessa Moore, Scientific Project Manager with DNRI, says:

“The network brings together a broad spectrum of people who are working in dementia research. We help spread knowledge and understanding of dementia and neurodegeneration, from prevention of dementia to ongoing care and quality of life issues. We are sharing research findings with policy makers, government, national and international audiences.”

“A network in Ireland to boost research into dementia” is part of a wider collection of success stories across four themes from the annual publication Health Research in Action.

Download Health Research in Action 2021.