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Brighton & Sussex Medical School

Research at CDS

Research at CDS

CDS supports and leads a programme of applied health research, divided into the areas of modifiable risk factors, quality of care, quality of life and randomised controlled trials in dementia.

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CEDAR lab

CEDAR lab focuses on the role of biopsychosocial factors on cognitive ageing, cerebrovascular and dementia risk, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach across neuroscience, psychology, epidemiology, and public health perspectives. We aim to investigate modifiable risk factors, biological mechanisms, disease progression and the impact of disease on the individual’s quality of life. From the range of modifiable risk factors, we examine the cognitive and psychosocial assets (e.g., cognitive reserve, social connections, cultural and community engagement), psychological and socioeconomic stressors, as well as social deficits (e.g., loneliness, isolation and social restrictions).

Find out more here >

Modifiable risk factors in dementia

This includes research into the effectiveness of exercise in slowing down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, and into the roles of blood pressure and inflammation.

more on Modifiable Risk Factors in Dementia >

Clinical trials at the CDS

Our Clinical Trial arm led by Professor Naji Tabet is carried out at the Dementia Research Unit (DRU) at NHS Sussex Foundation Trust (NHSSFT).

more on our research of CLINICAL trials  >

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DEMQOL: Dementia Quality of Life measure

DEMQOL is a patient reported outcome measure (PROM) which is designed to enable the assessment health-related quality of life of people with dementia.

MORE on our DEMQOL Measure >

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CDEMQOL: Dementia carer quality of life measure

CDEMQOL is a measure of carer quality of life for those who live with someone with dementia.

more on our CDEMQOL measure >

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PHYSIQOL: Physical activity and quality of life in people with dementia 

This is a substudy of the existing MODEM study, which allows us to use previously collected data to identify factors that may influence both physical activity participation and its impact on quality of life.

MORE on our study of physical activity and dementia >

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STRIDE: Strengthening responses to dementia in developing countries

Dementia affects more people in low- and middle-income countries than it does in the UK or other high-income countries, yet few countries are prepared for the challenges of the growing number of people with dementia.

MORE on our work with with Dementia in developing countries  >

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VIVALDI ASCOT

VIVALDI ASCOT Study aims to understand how outbreaks of COVID-19 or any other outbreaks impact the experience and quality of life of people living in care homes. The study is run by a team of multidisciplinary researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. VIVALDI ASCOT Study is linked to the VIVALDI Clinical Trial (CT) run by a team of researchers at University College London. 

Find out more here >

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Cognitive Frailty and Health study

At BSMS, we are currently conducting research to understand the general health, social and leisure participation, as well as the concept and risk factors of cognitive frailty. As we age, we experience different changes, both mentally and physically. There are large differences across individuals in the amount of change they experience. In this survey, we would love to hear what you think the term cognitive frailty is and what you think the potential risk factors contributing to it are.

Find out more here >

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Join dementia research

'Join dementia research’ is a nationwide online and telephone service that makes it easier for people to register their interest in volunteering for dementia research studies.

MORE about Join Dementia Research >

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The Remote Memory Assessment Toolkit

The Remote Memory Assessment Toolkit (RMAS) is intended to support best practice in delivering remote services for patients with dementia.

The toolkit is aimed at clinicians who assess and diagnose dementia. It has been developed by researchers at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Brighton and Sussex Medical School. 

Read more and view the toolkit here >

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COV-Dem

People with dementia are more likely to catch coronavirus and are at greater risk of complications. Some of the symptoms of long Covid are similar to symptoms of dementia. At Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), we are currently conducting research to understand the impact of infection-preventative measures on vulnerable people, such as those living with dementia, hearing impairment, learning disabilities, and respiratory disorders. Despite substantial progress in understanding the virology, transmission, and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, many aspects related to diverse communication needs for specific population groups with learning difficulties, hearing or cognitive impairment and dementia remain unclear.

Find out more here >