Tom Littlejohns, a researcher at the Oxford Population Health, University of Oxford, is interested in understanding how we can better identify people at risk of developing dementia as early as possible.
Project overview
Tom is developing a project to investigate whether certain ‘markers’ in the blood could help predict dementia risk many years in advance. Blood-based markers are used for other health conditions, such as glucose for diabetes, but are lacking for dementia. The aim is to use these findings to help identify people who would benefit from preventative approaches, such as lifestyle and behavioural changes, to reduce dementia risk.
To make sure the research is shaped by real-world experiences and priorities, we are forming a Public/Patient Advisory Group (PAG).
Tom would like to work with a small group of people who will help to inform the research design, and how the results are analysed, interpreted, shared with others and used to make progress in dementia prevention. He is interested in hearing from anyone who:
• Has been diagnosed with dementia
• Is, or has been, close to someone with dementia
• Is concerned about their own dementia risk.
Tom intends to hold a first group meeting online in early October (1 – 2 hours). The purpose of the meeting will be to briefly describe the project and hear directly from public contributors the following key questions:
• How do we think about risk of dementia?
• How would people like to be to told about their risk of developing dementia?
• What kind of lifestyle changes would be best for people at risk of developing dementia?
Following this initial session, and depending on the progress of the project, participants may have the opportunity to join future annual meetings over the next four years, scheduled based on mutual availability.
We do not expect you to have a background in research or have formal knowledge.
Please express your interest through the link: https://forms.office.com/e/msiFND1Dd5
Reimbursement
You will be reimbursed for your time in line with the Oxford Population Health payment policy for public contributors. The fee that we offer you will be in line with those offered by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). This currently stands at £25 per hour.
You may choose whether to receive your fees in either gift vouchers or bank transfer. Please note that vouchers are capped at £50, therefore fees for any input of more than 2 hours will be paid by bank transfer.
Date required
Deadline for responses: 7 September 2025
Organisation
Oxford Population Health
Contact
Daniel Okpani Iheanacho: ppie@ndph.ox.ac.uk