The Dementia Research Nurse Network

In collaboration with the UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN), Alzheimer’s Society will embed dedicated Dementia Research Nurses in key NHS clinical settings across the UK. Find out more about the team below.

Who are Research Nurses?

This is an established role within the NHS. These nurses carry out clinical work and play a key role in the set-up and delivery of clinical research studies, screening, recruiting and supporting patients who would like to participate in them.  

Alzheimer’s Society UKDTN Dementia Research Nurses will be based in around 20 UK Dementia Trials Network sites around the country and will work collaboratively to improve access to clinical trials for people living with dementia, driving meaningful change in care and research. 

Our nurses will support by:

  • Conducting clinical aspects of trial delivery, from identifying potential patients to taking blood samples, conducting assessments, administering medications and conducting follow-up visits.
  • They can also help with non-clinical work, such as educating healthcare professionals, people living with dementia and the public about clinical trials to help progress development of new therapies.

Meet the nationwide network of Dementia Research Nurses

Recruitment to the nurse network is ongoing. Our ambition is to recruit dedicated Dementia Research Nurses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in a UK first. We will continue to update this page with more information as the network grows.

a woman in nursing scrubs stands in her practice and smiles.

The network will be steered by Lead Research Nurse, Laura Rooney. Bringing over 17 years of experience in leading innovations in clinical research delivery, Laura will work in partnership with NHS organisations, lived experience groups, academics, industry and third sector partners to expand dementia research opportunities.

I’m incredibly proud to lead the first UK-wide network of dedicated Dementia Research Nurses. This transformational workforce has a significant opportunity to change the future for people affected by dementia and make the UK the go-to place for dementia clinical trials.

Portrait photo of a young woman in a headscarf smiling to camera.

Sittana Abdelmagid is a Clinical Research Nurse at University College London Hospitals (UCLH). In addition to her clinical role, Sittana serves as Chair for Research Inclusion at the UK Clinical Research Facility (UK CRF) Network, where she supports efforts to improve representation and access to research for underserved communities.

As a Dementia Research Nurse, Sittana is passionate about delivering person-centred and inclusive research, ensuring that every research participant feels valued, informed and represented.

Sittana will work with her colleagues across the UKDTN to position the UK as a global leader in dementia research. By recruiting more people into research and providing compassionate person-centred care, the team will ensure that discoveries are translated into meaningful improvements in care and treatments for people with dementia and their families.

I hope my role will give people living with dementia and their families a stronger voice in research, empowering them to feel included, valued, and supported. I believe we can make research participation feel like a natural extension of care.

Portrait photo of a young woman wearing nurse scrubs and Alzheimer's Society badge.

Inês Rodrigues is a Senior Research Sister leading a multidisciplinary team at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.  

As a Research Nurse, Inês will work to create more opportunities for people affected by dementia to take part in research that truly reflects their needs, experiences and priorities.  

Inês aims to champion inclusive and person-centred research, raise awareness of dementia research among a variety of clinical teams, and help build a confident and qualified dementia research workforce within the NHS.  

I want to help shape a research culture that listens, adapts, and delivers better outcomes. Ultimately, my goal is to make dementia research more visible and impactful, so that every person affected by dementia can benefit from the progress we make.

More information coming soon.

If you would like more information about the programme, please email: [email protected]

Please note this contact is for enquiries about the programme only. We are unable to respond to requests to take part in trials or to put you in direct contact with nurses.

Interested in taking part in research?

Dementia trials and studies offer hope that one day we will be able to end the devastation of dementia. Get more information on the types of clinical research you could support and register your interest today.

Find out more