Study title

This two-year research project will involve talking to couples living with dementia about the types of decisions they make every day and how they go about making these decisions. The study will develop a better understanding of how couples living with dementia make everyday decisions and identify the practical support that can facilitate people with dementia to make decisions. The research will be carried out in Bradford (starting January 2010) by Dr. Geraldine Boyle from the University of Bradford and Dr. Lorna Warren from the University of Sheffield. Ethical approval will be obtained from the National Social Care Research Ethics Committee. People with dementia and their spouses attending social cafes or support groups run by the Alzheimer's Society (or a community organisation) will be invited to take part in the study. Approximately twenty-four couples will be interviewed about the types of decisions they make every day and how they go about making these decisions. The researchers will also spend time at home with the couples, observing them as they go about their daily routines and make day-to-day decisions. The research findings should promote better understanding of how people with dementia can make decisions and how to involve them in decision-making.