World Alzheimer’s Month: Breaking down barriers to inclusive Dementia research

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, and while there is currently no cure, clinical research is paving the way for new treatments and improved care pathways. Yet for research to deliver meaningful outcomes, it must be inclusive, accessible, and representative of the populations it is designed to serve.

Barriers to dementia research participation

For many individuals living with dementia and their families, participating in clinical trials is not straightforward. Common barriers include:

• Travel challenges: Research centres are often far from participants’ homes, creating additional strain.

• Time burdens: Long or frequent appointments can disrupt routines and place pressure on care partners.

• Accessibility issues: Traditional sites are not always designed to meet the needs of older adults or those experiencing cognitive decline.

These obstacles can result in underrepresentation, slower recruitment, and extended trial timelines - all of which can impact the speed and effectiveness of research.

Taking research into communities

At EMS Healthcare, we are addressing these challenges by rethinking where and how research takes place. As the UK’s largest independent site network, we bring trials into the heart of communities through flexible, mobile research units that:

• Reduce participant burden: Minimising long-distance travel and making appointments more convenient.

• Ensure broader representation: Reaching individuals who might otherwise be excluded.

• Accelerate recruitment: Creating easier access points for participation, which shortens trial timelines.

This community-first approach ensures trials are not confined to specialist centres but are embedded where people live, work, and receive care.

Why inclusivity matters in dementia research

Every person’s experience of dementia is different, shaped by age, background, culture, and environment. To develop treatments that are effective for all, research must be representative.

By making trials more inclusive and accessible, we ensure that data reflects the real-world population. The result is not only faster recruitment and improved retention but also outcomes that are representative, reliable, and better positioned to improve the experiences of participants, and ensure good health is within everyone's reach.