PhD student Jahanara Miah

Jahanara's project explores:

Can annual dementia check-ups also help to detect and monitor cancer symptoms?

Research shows that people with dementia often face disadvantages throughout the cancer care pathway, from delayed diagnosis to poorer symptom management.

Tell us about your project

As people live longer, more individuals experience multiple health conditions, and an increasing number live with both dementia and cancer. This study explores whether annual dementia reviews in GP surgeries - regular check-ups already offered to people with dementia - could also help detect and monitor cancer symptoms earlier. 

Through interviews and participatory workshops with clinicians, carers and people with lived experience, the research will investigate how these reviews might be adapted to support earlier recognition, better communication and more coordinated care.

How will this research impact people living with dementia?

By identifying practical solutions and co-designing tools for use in primary care, the project aims to bridge the gap between dementia and cancer services. The aim is to ensure that people living with both conditions receive timely, person-centred support. 

What excites you most about your PhD?

What excites me most about my PhD is the chance to be part of a collaborative research community focused on improving dementia care and outcomes, while taking ownership of my own research. It’s an opportunity to grow as an independent researcher, build expertise and contribute work with real-world clinical and social impact. 

I’m particularly motivated by the potential for this research to improve early detection and care for people living with both dementia and other health conditions, ultimately helping to create more joined-up and person-centred healthcare. 

What does it mean to you to be a part of this Doctoral Training Centre?

Being part of the Alzheimer’s Society Doctoral Training Centre for Integrated Care means joining a supportive community of researchers who share a common purpose - to make a genuine difference for people living with dementia and their carers. 

It’s inspiring to be surrounded by others who are equally passionate about improving lives through research, and to be part of a network that values collaboration, compassion and impact. 

This shared environment offers both motivation and mentorship as I work towards developing research that contributes meaningfully to dementia care and policy.