Dementia Current Research
Our team includes Neurologists, Psychologists, Researchers and Nurses from both University of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust.
We diagnose and treat patients with dementia and also offer clinical research opportunities to people with and without dementia. Our research focuses on early diagnosis of dementia, understanding how memory is stored in the brain and how this can be enhanced and clinical trials of treatment in dementia.
We run one of the only brain health clinical services in the country, seeing people with mild memory problems, and offering precision early diagnosis or exclusion of dementia. We also offer evidence-based brain health lifestyle advice and access to research which aims to delay the onset of dementia.
For further information about our Dementia research, visit our ReMemBr Group web pages.
Please speak to the person treating you to find out if there is a research study that may be able to help you.
Current studies:
COBALT
COmBining memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors in Lewy body dementia Treatment trial
The COBALT Trial aims to find out if adding Memantine to AChEI treatment improves overall health and functioning for people with Lewy Body Dementia (DLB) or Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD).
A 150 patients with DLB and 150 patients with PDD, from across the UK will take part in this trial. Participation will consist of a few visits over 52 weeks to the site for cognitive assessments, telephone follow ups and monitored use of either the placebo or Memantine.
PI Dr Elizabeth Coulthard
Recruitment end date:01 April 2025
Local Ref: R&D 5195
MySmile
Our research group and others have found links between Alzheimer’s and gum disease. Gum disease occurs when certain bacteria thrive under the gum line causing inflammation and bleeding. There is good evidence these bacteria pass into the bloodstream and speed up, or cause development of other diseases (such as diabetes and heart disease). This study monitors Alzheimer’s patients treated for gum disease for 12 months to see if this also slows their rate of memory loss. We're looking for 50 participants.
PI: Dr Elizabeth Coulthard
Planned end Date: May 2025
Local Ref: R&D 5319
Take Part in Research
Become one of the thousands of people taking part in research every day within the NHS.
About Research & Development
Find out more about our research and how we're working to improve patient care.
Contact Research
Research & Development
North Bristol NHS Trust
Level 3, Learning & Research building
Southmead Hospital
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol, BS10 5NB
Telephone: 0117 4149330
Email: research@nbt.nhs.uk