RAND: Research Report 2015

We commissioned RAND Europe to undertake a comprehensive review of the UK dementia research landscape, to map out where we do well, where there are gaps and the opportunities and challenges facing today's dementia researchers.

The report finds that too few researchers are choosing a career in dementia, with five times more people working choosing to work on cancer. Of those that do complete a PhD in dementia, retention in the field is poor with 70 per cent leaving the field within four years. 

There is also a critical lack of people from care and clinical professions focusing on dementia research, which is likely to stifle innovation and progress in these sectors. Less than two per cent of the top 200 most prolific UK dementia researchers specialise in social care and social work, even though people with dementia are one of the biggest user of adult social care.

Many of the career challenges facing academic, clinicial and care dementia researchers are outlined in the report, as well as ten recommendations for developing a strong and sustainable dementia research community. 

Alzheimer's Society is leading the way to address this challenge with our Dementia Research Leaders programme. Since the programme launched in January 2014, we've invested over £6.5 million to support 75 early career researchers and are providing professional development through our mentorship programme.