Editorial: Methods of engagement of dementia care users in research and practice development

Dementia is a growing global health challenge, affecting over 57 million people worldwide and placing increasing pressure on health and social care systems (World Health Organization (WHO), 2021). Despite the recognized value of involving people with dementia in coproduction and research, many researchers remain hesitant, often citing concerns about capacity, ethical complexity, or methodological limitations (Bethell et al., 2018). The imperative to involve people living with dementia and their care partners in research and practice development has gained increasing recognition in recent years. Participatory approaches, such as co-design and co-production, are now considered essential for creating interventions that are both meaningful and effective (Gove et al., 2018; Skivington et al., 2021).

The “Methods of Engagement of Dementia Care Users in Research and Practice Development” Research Topic in Frontiers in Dementia brings together articles that explore diverse strategies for involving people living with dementia and their supporters/caregivers in research and practice development. This editorial highlights the contributions of this Research Topic, aiming to explore and advance innovative methods for engaging people living with dementia and their families in the design, implementation, and evaluation of dementia care interventions. This body of work emphasizes participatory, co-design, and other collaborative approaches to research and practice development.