Research Questions

Here are the research questions that SIGN 86 set out in February 2006.

Can matching of clinical and radiological appearances improve the identification of subgroups of people with Alzheimer’s disease and those with mixed Alzheimer vascular dementia?
Does the availability of patient/carer information lead to earlier access to services?
Does contact with psychiatric services when a patient has early dementia lead to improved
access to services as the patient deteriorates?
What is the benefit from non-complex psychosocial intervention?
What are the alternatives to drug treatment?
What is the most effective method for treating pain in patients with dementia?
What is the most effective way to prevent falls in patients with dementia?
What is the most effective way to treat delirium in dementia, where patients are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality?
What is the effectiveness of using antidepressants to treat depression in people with dementia?
What are effective interventions for the treatment of repetitive vocalisation?
The development of a set of brief tests which can enhance the diagnostic utility of tests such as the MMSE or clock drawing
what is the effectiveness of caregiver interventions on the carer?
What is the impact of the social context of living with dementia?
Are statins and antihypertensives effective treatments for people with vascular dementia with no history of stroke or myocardial infarction?
What physical exercise programmes help ADL and maintain well-being?