For professionals

Memory Clinic

At RICE we welcome both NHS and private referrals to our Memory Clinic. Patients are usually referred by their GP with a suspicion of memory problems. GPs are asked to complete the following tests before referral to RICE:

• RICE require recent full blood count, renal and liver function, calcium, glucose and cholesterol test, and that thyroid function, B12 and folate levels are normal before referral.
• For BANES GP’s use the RICE blood profile on ICE.
• We also require a CT head scan.

Resources for Professionals:

Print out one of RICE’s leaflets for your patient to take away with them and read.

Research

RICE actively explores all aspects of ageing, including how we might use drug treatments more safely in older people. A major focus of our clinical research is exploring the way in which people respond to treatments when they get older, including cases when memory impairment or dementia develops. Our purpose-built research centre, located at The Royal United Hospital (RUH) site in Bath, has facilities for clinical studies, and is particularly well suited for clinical trials exploring new drug treatments for dementia and memory decline. The RICE centre is fully equipped for pharmacokinetic studies and has an experienced team of medical, nursing, psychology and research staff. 

Current dementia research open for patient referrals:

Please get in touch with RICE in order to refer a patient for any of the dementia research or Alzheimer’s Disease clinical trials listed below.

ImmunoBrain Trial

Randomised double-blind clinical trial to investigate whether an antibody called ‘IBC-Ab002’ has the potential to help slow cognitive decline in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.

Eligibility requirements:

1. 50-80 years old
2. Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Mild Alzheimer’s disease
3. MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) score of 20-28 inclusive
4. On stable dose of AChE Inhibitor (donepezil, galantamine or rivastigimine) or memantine for at least 3 months prior to randomisation, or not taking an AChE Inhibitor
5. Has a family member, friend or carer willing to act as Study Partner (in contact with participant minimum of 15 hours per week)
6. Able to undergo MRI scan, lumbar puncture and EEG (electroencephalogram)

MySmile Trial

A clinical trial for people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease, to study whether intensive (free) dental hygienist treatment can influence memory problems.

Eligibility requirements:

1. 60+ years old
2. Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Mild Alzheimer’s disease
3. MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) score of 16-28 inclusive, MMSE range of 22-29
4. Capacity to consent
5. 6+ teeth for adequate assessment of periodontitis
6. Has a family member, friend or carer willing to act as Study Partner to attend at least the first appointment
   • Please note that appointments will take place at The Brain Centre at Southmead Hospital in Bristol
   • Patients with uncontrolled diabetes will not be eligible

MAINTAIN: Independence after a fall

The Maintain Study aims to help people with dementia who have had a recent fall to maintain their independence. Falls can often lead to a poorer quality of life, so this study provides activities to support people with dementia to maintain their independence at home.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Diagnosis of dementia (any sub-type)
2. Aged 50+
3. No specific MMSE range
4. Participants must have sustained at least one fall in the last six months
5. Participants must be dwelling in their own home at the time of the index fall and returning to their own home at the time of the intervention.
6. A study partner should be in contact with the patient participant for at least one hour per week

Call 01225 476420 or email: info@rice.org.uk for more information