Take Part
If you are someone who has recently been diagnosed with dementia, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like to take part, or ask any questions about taking part, contact Dr Ben Hicks at ben.hicks@nottingham.ac.uk or by calling 07881915776.
You will not be under any obligation to take part after making contact.
We would like to find out which groups of people have better or worse outcomes following diagnosis of dementia and why there are inequalities in care and outcomes. What we learn from the experiences of people with dementia and their carers will be used to deliver care and support that will give everyone the best possible quality of life.
Find out more about the two studies that we are looking for people to take part in:
What will taking part involve?
A pair of researchers from our team will visit you in your home or somewhere where you feel comfortable. They will ask you a range of questions about your experiences, your health, your memory and your wellbeing. You can read about the research team members who might visit you below.
A friend, family member or other carer can also take part in the study and support you through it.
Our visit will take approximately two hours. Sometimes the visit will be longer, sometimes it will be shorter, but we will work around your schedule to accommodate your needs. If you’ve had enough of answering questions at any point, we can stop the visit. There are no right or wrong answers - we want to learn from your experiences.
“We were pleased to take part, increase our awareness, and know that there is help available.”
“It’s a good thing to be able to do, as you’re quite vulnerable at this early stage.”
Meet our research team!
Read more about who would visit you as part of the study below. All research assistants have completed training in good clinical practice, informed consent, clinical dementia rating and data protection.
King’s College London
Luce Stewart (they/them)
I've really enjoyed being part of the DETERMIND research team at our London location since the start of 2025. I feel very lucky to have met all the people who have taken part in our study and look forward to meeting many more! As the DETERMIND EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) officer, I spend a lot of my spare time helping with disability advocacy and writing about disabled and LGBTQIA+ experiences. I also love to knit, sew, crochet and draw birds!
Natalie Tawney (she/her)
I’ve been working in the London team since October 2024 and have loved meeting and getting to know people taking part in the study and working with others trying to address inequalities and improve dementia care. I help coordinate the advisory groups for the Seldom Heard Groups project and have been involved in other projects throughout DETERMIND such as organising our London participant conference. Outside of work I like doing yoga, eating good food and having a natter!
Nottingham University
Jessie Elcome (she/her)
I have been working with the Nottingham DETERMIND team since November 2025 and have really enjoyed being part of the project. I love having the opportunity to work with people in the community, and to hear about their experiences. When I’m not working, I enjoy playing guitar, running, and looking after my ever-growing collection of houseplants!
Anushka Nair (she/her)
I’ve been so fortunate to join the DETERMIND team at such an exciting time; the opening of the Nottingham Site! With a background in cognitive neuroscience and sociology, I care deeply about making research more inclusive for people and communities whose voices have too often been overlooked or missing altogether. Outside of research, I love music more than almost anything, and lately, I’ve also become slightly obsessed with watching Anthony Bourdain episodes! I love the way he moved through the world with so much curiosity, warmth, and openness to people’s stories.
Sussex Partnership NHS Trust
Ariane Lee (she/her)
I joined the DETERMIND team in September 2025 and have really enjoyed meeting our amazing participants and hearing their stories. Working on this project feels very close to home for me, as my grandmother had Alzheimer’s, so it means a lot to be part of work that supports people living with dementia. I’m based in Brighton, and in my spare time I love running along the seafront, especially in the summer!
Kat Loosley (she/her)
I enjoy being a part of DETERMIND in Sussex as I get to work with a great team and to meet the wonderful people who participate in our study. It is a privilege to be involved in such a meaningful project that touches so many lives. I am a lover of the arts as I have worked as an illustrator and a trip to the theatre is my idea of fun! In my spare time I do yoga, shop for perfumes, and read books.
Alice Russell (she/her)
I’ve been part of the DETERMIND Sussex team since we started back in 2019! Visiting our participants over the years has been eye opening and a real privilege. As well as working as a research assistant I am also completing a PhD linked to the DETERMIND project to develop a questionnaire which assesses the quality of a dementia diagnosis that we can hopefully use to improve the dementia diagnosis experience in the future. Outside of work I enjoy walking, reading, crafting and anything related to nature!
An illustration of different buildings from nearby the London DETERMIND study location on a fictional road. From left to right, there is the Ritzy cinema, Catford centre, Croydon clock tower and Tower Bridge. In the front is a green path with the DETERMIND logo.