Good Life with Dementia Feasibility Study
This study, called 'Good Life with Dementia', is looking into a support course for people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia. This course, designed by people with dementia themselves, offers peer support and aims to help those newly diagnosed navigate their journey. The main goal of this particular study is to work out the best way to test the 'Good Life' course in the future. Researchers want to see if it can be delivered consistently in different communities, including a special course for the South Asian community. This will help them plan a larger study later on to properly measure how helpful the course is.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone is told they have dementia, it can be a really big moment, often bringing worries about what comes next. Many people feel unsure where to find support after their diagnosis. The 'Good Life' course was created to help with this. It's a support group designed by people who understand what it's like to live with dementia, for others who are also living with it. In these groups, people share their experiences and helpful tips, and the courses are taught by people who have been living with dementia for a while.
This current study isn't about proving directly how much the 'Good Life' course helps people right now. Instead, it's a 'feasibility study', which means the main goal is to figure out the best way to study the course in the future. The researchers want to check if they can deliver the course in the same way in different places and with different groups of people. They will create a guide and training for the course leaders to make sure it's consistent. They also want to test different ways of measuring how the course might benefit people.
All the information gathered from this study will help plan a bigger, more detailed study later on, which would then be able to show if the 'Good Life' course really makes a difference to people's lives. It's an important step in ensuring that if the course is proven to be helpful, it can reach more people effectively.
Key takeaways
- The study explores a peer-support course for people with new dementia diagnoses.
- It aims to improve how the 'Good Life' course is studied in the future.
- Participants will either attend the course or receive usual care.
- Data collection involves questionnaires over six months.
- The study focuses on adults diagnosed with dementia in the last 12 months.
- There are no direct benefits for participants, but it could help future care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults who have recently been diagnosed with any type of dementia. You would need to have received your diagnosis within the last 12 months. It's also important that you live close to one of the places where the Good Life course will be held (Bristol, Sheffield, or Manchester).
If you're interested, you also need to be able to understand the study information and give your agreement to take part. For one of the courses in Manchester, you would also need to identify yourself as being from a South Asian community.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an adult of any age?
- Have you been diagnosed with any type of dementia within the last 12 months?
- Do you live in or near Bristol, Sheffield, or Manchester?
- Can you understand information and give your agreement to take part?
- For Manchester, do you identify as being part of a South Asian community?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join this study, you'll first be asked to fill out some questionnaires about your health and well-being. After that, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will attend the 'Good Life' course for six weeks; these are weekly two-hour group sessions with other people living with dementia, alongside your usual care. The other group will simply continue with their usual care.
Both groups will be asked to complete the same health and well-being questionnaires again after three months and six months. Some people from each group may also be invited to have a chat about their experience of taking part in the study. The study aims to gather information over about a six-month period for each participant.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (6)
- Devon Partnership NHS TrustCity onlyExeter, England
- Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustApproximateSheffield, England
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCity onlySheffield, England
- Dovercourt Group PracticeApproximateSheffield, England
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyManchester, England
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyAshton-under-lyne, England
Common questions
What is the 'Good Life' course?
It's a support course for people with dementia, created by others living with dementia, offering peer support and shared experiences.
Why is this study being done?
This study wants to find the best ways to test the 'Good Life' course in the future and see if it can be run consistently in different places.
Will I get special treatment if I join?
Not directly. Some participants will attend the 'Good Life' course, while others will continue with their usual care. Everyone will help researchers learn about the course.
How long will I be involved in the study?
You'll be asked to complete questionnaires at the start, at 3 months, and at 6 months. If you attend the course, that's 6 weekly sessions.
Who is paying for this study?
The study is being funded by the NIHR Three Schools: Dementia Research Programme in the UK.
How to find out more
Mandy Willcox
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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