National Institute for Health and Care Research

25/09/2025

💜 Research isn’t just about finding treatments – it’s also helping people with dementia live well today.

The IDEAL project followed more than 1,500 people with dementia and 1,200 carers over 10 years. It found that doing activities that feel meaningful can make a big difference to happiness and wellbeing.

Geoff and Susie, who have taken part in several studies since Susie’s diagnosis in 2013, say research has improved their quality of life. Hear their story in the video below. 🎥

👉 Want to help shape a better future? Sign up to Join Dementia Research and take part in studies: https://www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

25/09/2025

🧠 Could your neck hold clues to Alzheimer’s?

A recent NIHR-supported study has found that certain proteins in neck lymph nodes are more abundant in younger people. In older adults, these proteins may drain less effectively from the brain, potentially contributing to the build-up linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

This exciting research is helping shape how we might diagnose dementia in the future.

🔗 Learn more here: https://oxfordhealthbrc.nihr.ac.uk/researchers-find-link-between-proteins-in-neck-lymph-nodes-and-alzheimers-disease/

Researchers find link between proteins in neck lymph nodes and Alzheimer’s disease 10th March 2025 A team of researchers at the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry, supported by the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (OH BRC), has discovered Alzheimer’s disease-related p...

24/09/2025

Bullying is an extremely important public mental health risk, affecting more than a quarter of children on a monthly basis. 💜

An NIHR-funded research trial led by Bangor University looked at the effectiveness of an anti-bullying programme developed in Finland, known as KiVa. The trial involved over 100 primary schools in England and Wales and over 11,000 students.

KiVa’s ‘whole school’ approach focuses on everyone’s behaviour and emphasises the role that bystanders can play.

The trial found that, after one year of Kiva lessons, children in schools that implemented the programme were 13% less likely to report being bullied, compared to schools using standard procedures.

The trial also showed that children in schools with the KiVa programme reported higher levels of empathy and reduced peer problems.

24/09/2025

🧠 Dementia isn’t just Alzheimer’s – there are other types too, including frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia. Each comes with its own challenges and symptoms.

🎥In this video, Professor John O’Brien (University of Cambridge and NIHR Emeritus Senior Investigator) explains the differences between these forms of dementia – and how research is helping us better understand them.

👉 Watch the video to learn more, and if you’re living with one of these conditions, you can make a difference by taking part in research through Join Dementia Research https://www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

23/09/2025

Tamara’s research journey didn’t start in a university classroom. It began as a care worker, helping people with dementia wash, dress and maintain dignity in daily life.

Today, supported by NIHR, she’s leading research that co-produces training with care home staff, relatives and residents to improve personal care for people with dementia.

As we mark World Alzheimer’s Month, we celebrate Tamara’s story and the difference dementia research can make.

💜 Read more about Tamara's story https://www.nihr.ac.uk/story/care-workers-journey-advancing-dementia-research

23/09/2025

💬 Talking about dementia can feel hard—but it doesn’t have to be.

This , members of the South Asian community share their experiences and highlight why open conversations matter. Discover how simple it is to take part in research that can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Together, we can challenge stigma and support healthier futures for everyone.

Watch the film 👇

https://youtu.be/5haxXVsDRXQ

19/09/2025

Eczema is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions worldwide. It affects around 20% of children and 10% of adults.

Symptoms include red, inflamed skin that may become crusted, and intense itching that drives a vicious itch–scratch cycle. Eczema doesn’t just affect the skin, but has wide-ranging impacts on sleep, concentration, and even mental health.

💊 Research is helping find new treatments. For example, the TREAT Trial showed that methotrexate works a bit slower than ciclosporin, but is more effective with longer treatment. It also helps stop eczema returning after treatment has stopped.

🔗 Read a Q&A with Professor Carsten Flohr, a dermatology researcher at King's College London and an expert in children's eczema: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/news-and-features/eczema

17/09/2025

Today is , a day which aims to raise awareness about the importance of patient safety and how we can improve it.

Here's Professor Bryony Franklin, Director of the NIHR North West London Patient Safety Research Collaboration (PSRC) to tell us more about the importance of patient safety 🎥👇

17/09/2025

🧠 What we do today can shape our brain health for the future.

Research shows that lifestyle choices in midlife – like staying active, eating well, and looking after our heart health – can lower the risk of developing dementia later on.

This , learn more about the steps you can take to protect your brain:
https://news.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/lifestyle-changes-could-reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/

15/09/2025

🧠 Did you know that up to 40% of dementia cases could be linked to factors we can change, like blood pressure, smoking and physical activity?

That’s why researchers are developing the ENHANCE app – with NIHR support – to help people take simple steps towards a healthier lifestyle and lower their dementia risk.

Find out how the app could make a difference ⬇️
https://www.nihr.ac.uk/story/app-reduce-risk-dementia

12/09/2025

Meet Jackie, 61, from Hampshire. Jackie was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a long-term mental health condition, and felt numb and isolated.

Jackie took part in culturally adapted talking therapy as part of a research trial. Before she felt “like I had a load of barbed wire wrapped round my brain. Now I feel mentally free.”

The Culturally-adapted Family Intervention (CaFI) trial is testing a new talking therapy with Black and Mixed heritage service users, their families, community members and healthcare professionals.

African and Caribbean people in the UK are more likely than other ethnic groups to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and related psychoses. Yet their engagement with support and treatment is generally more limited. This new therapy is designed to address this.

💬Jackie said: “The therapy has helped me tremendously. It's a positive thing looking into your cultural beliefs. I'd recommend it to anyone.”

Find out more about her story and how you can get involved in research in the comments below 👇

10/09/2025

💜This World Alzheimer's Month, we highlight Mary Stewart-David, a dedicated dementia research participant inspired by her mother's and grandmother's experiences. She believes passionately in the power of research for prevention.

🧠Mary's participation has included diverse studies like Biobank tests, drug trials for the 'dementia gene,' and online brain health assessments.

Hear about why Mary's committed to research and why she encourages everyone to get involved.

Read more👉 https://news.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/dont-wait-until-you-get-ill-lets-find-out-how-to-stop-you-getting-ill/