Dr Rhonda Cohen and Professor Trish Hafford-Lecthfiled from Middlesex University have received funding from the Saracens Sports Foundation to evaluate the impact of exercise and other psychosocial activities on the well -being of people with dementia and their carers in a community based setting.

A fundamental aspect of the research will be to evaluate the support provided by Dementia Clubs as a service in the community. The latest Dementia Club is being launched today 28th July 2016 at Hendon Town Hall by the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor David Longstaff. Dementia Club UK is one of his chosen charities during his Mayoral year.

Dr Cohen said: “We’re very pleased that we’ve been awarded this funding by the Saracens Sports Foundation.  While research has shown that regular exercise can increase fitness and physical functioning in people with dementia, our study will provide a better understanding of the specific impact of Dementia Club activities on people with dementia and their carers.

“The results of our study will help develop new services locally and nationally in the future. This is particularly important as we understand that a national charity called Dementia Club UK is being developed.”

Dementia is a condition characterised by decreases in cognitive functioning. The number of people with the disease will substantially increase as more people live longer. The number of people in the UK with dementia is expected to rise from 850,000 in 2015 to just over two million by 2051*. This will have an impact on the quality of life for those with dementia and on their families and carers.