Inclusive Dementia Research Priorities Project

The NIHR HRC in Long-Term Conditions (Devices for Dignity) has been working with researchers from the University of Sheffield and Israac, a local Somali community organisation to carry out an exciting research project led by Dr Becky Field. The project has yielded significant outputs including determining the top ten priority areas for brain health and dementia research, as identified by Somali community members. Findings have been discussed with the community, health and care professionals, researchers and local dementia service commissioners. Funding is currently being sought to continue this work. 

An illustrator summarised discussions ‘live’ as people were talking and shared these with participants.  The illustration below describes the research project aims:

Three workshops were held to identify and develop the research priorities. The first workshop was a consultation and listening event involving 34 community members. There was a lot of discussion at this workshop on topics of uncertainty associated with dementia and brain health. The questions raised were grouped into broader topics which guided a search to identify gaps in knowledge and research. 

The illustration below shows the topics that were discussed in first workshop:

In workshop 2, the knowledge gaps were discussed further with 15 participants, some of which had experience of caring for people with dementia or memory concerns. Participants were asked to vote on their top 10 research priorities out of the 17 topics that were presented. 

The final workshop asked participants to discuss the top 10 priorities further – these priorities are summarised below:

A summary poster has also been produced for the project which is also included on the project website link:  ISRAAC Inclusive Dementia 

The project is a prime example of how important it is to include minority groups to conduct research that is inclusive and meaningful.

Please look at the project website for more information or contact Becky Field (Lead Researcher; b.field@sheffield.ac.uk) with any queries.