EMBrACe
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Enhancing Mobility support for people with dementia: BRidging the gap between needs And CarE (EMBrACe)
IRAS ID
357125
Contact name
Riona Mc Ardle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
People with dementia often face challenges with safe and independent movement, and mobility loss can lead to reduced independence, increased care needs and greater risk of injury. Mobility challenges arise not only from dementia itself but also from combined health, environmental, and social factors.
Mobility is essential for daily life, especially walking, which is known as the "sixth vital sign" of health. Walking speed and movement quality can predict health outcomes and are closely tied to independence and wellbeing. For people with dementia and their carers, mobility loss affects physical, mental and emotional health, social life, quality of life and their sense of self. This project aims to identify what mobility changes mean to people with dementia and carers, and what aspects of mobility are most important to support and maintain.
We will interview 60 people with dementia and/or their carers to understand their experiences with mobility changes, including those from under-served groups such as individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, rural and coastal communities, or those with rare dementia subtypes. These interviews will help us identify aspects of mobility that are most meaningful and explore views on managing mobility through digital tools and healthcare services. Interviews will take place in participants own homes, and last between 45 minutes to 90 minutes, allowing time for rich discussion with comfort breaks. Participants will be eligible to take part if they are living with a diagnosis of dementia or are a family member or friend supporting someone who is living with a diagnosis of dementia. Participants must be able to provide informed consent, be living in the community and have some subjective experience of mobility changes related to dementia.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0656
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion