I want to participate in research

Dementia research is people powered – not just by the researchers conducting studies, but by people with lived experience, health-care workers, service providers and volunteers. Research changes both the present and the future for people affected by dementia. Participating in research can provide you with an opportunity to share your experiences, make connections and contribute to innovation.

There are many reasons someone might want to join a research study, including:

• Personal connection – e.g., a genuine interest in the subject matter or a personal contact (e.g., family member, friend or colleague) who lives or lived with dementia.
• Altruism – e.g., a desire to contribute to our broader understanding of dementia, potentially helping others who may live with the disease in the future.
• Curiosity – e.g., a desire to learn more about the research process or how studies are conducted.
• Empowerment – e.g., the opportunity to have a voice in dementia research, either through sharing personal experiences or influencing the direction/focus of research, ensuring studies address relevant and pressing issues.
• Service improvement – e.g., improvement of services and policies that result in more effective and tailored interventions.
• Treatment alternatives – e.g., access to otherwise unavailable treatments or interventions that may benefit one’s own health.

Overall, people with lived experience bring essential perspectives that can enhance the quality and relevance of research, making it more inclusive and comprehensive.

People of diverse backgrounds, ages and life experiences can contribute to dementia research in meaningful ways. Read on to learn about different types of studies and how you may participate in dementia research. 

Find current research participation opportunities

• Alzheimer Society Research Portal: connects potential participants and researchers conducting dementia-related research across Canada.
• REACH BC: a non-profit provincial platform that connects volunteers with opportunities to participate in health research across B.C. 
• UBC Clinic for Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders: engages in dementia research to understand the root causes and underlying mechanisms for effective risk reduction, early detection, advanced treatment and interventions to improve quality of life. 
• Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI): partners with the University of British Columbia on research improving health outcomes and to study new medications, treatments and medical devices. 

Determine how to decide if participating in a research study is right for you using this information sheet.

Explore our research glossary.

Interested in doing a deeper dive?

• Health Canada's Clinical Trial Database: Search this database to find current Canadian clinical trials involving pharmaceutical and biological drugs relevant to dementia. Note: Health Canada does not provide contact information for the clinical trial sponsor; such information will need to be obtained by using the Alzheimer Society of Canada Research Portal, the Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research or ClinicalTrails.gov.
• Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research (C5R): Learn how medications for dementia are approved in Canada, as well as the Canadian research centres currently conducting clinical trials for people with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Explore this database established by the US National Institutes of Health to find current information on dementia-related clinical trials happening around the world.

Do you still have questions?

• Contact research@alzheimerbc.org.
• Call our First Link® Dementia Helpline: 1-800-936-6033.