Research Centre

The predicted rise in the number of people with dementia will double within a generation. The work at SPECAL is a lifeline to those people who are diagnosed with dementia. We are passionate about our work and are committed to a programme of research to ensure that we remain at the cutting edge in our field and will continue to offer real hope in managing the effects of dementia on a life-time basis.

Latest research news …
We are currently exploring the possibility of a randomised control study of the SPECAL approach as compared with conventional care pathways.

Previous Research

2008: International Reach
International interest in the SPECAL approach has resulted in an Australian healthcare professional, on a Churchill Scholarship, joining the team for an extended period of study in 2008.

2007: GP Study
In 2007 a GP conducted a pilot study of the SPECAL training programme for families and friends was completed with positive outcomes. We will be publishing the results of this research shortly.

2001: Royal College of Nursing
In 2001 the RCN prepared a further report to map the work of SPECAL against the National Service Framework for Older People. There were positive findings both in terms of recent service development and in the potential scope for wider dissemination.

1999: Royal College of Nursing Evaluation
In 1999 the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) undertook a formal evaluation of the SPECAL Project with the following positive findings:

• People with dementia take less medication
• Family carers experience less guilt
• People with dementia stay at home longer
• Carers report a plateau effect in the disease process
• People with dementia who live long enough to benefit by nursing care move into formal care settings with less distress