WHEN a Warrington couple's lives were changed by Alzheimer's they decided to use their experience to help shape vital dementia research.

Now, eight years later, Bob and Sylvia Kahn from Great Sankey are being praised by the Alzheimer's Society for their work with the Alzheimer’s Society Research Network.

The network, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, consists of people living with dementia, carers and former carers, who ensure that the charity funds the best research by reviewing applications and supporting projects with their personal experience in mind.

Bob, 81, and Sylvia, 82, have been network volunteers since Sylvia was diagnosed eight years ago, but she is still able to relate to others.

They are hoping people will sign up to the network and help ensure research into the cause, cure, care and prevention of dementia makes a difference to people affected by the condition.

Bob said: "Being volunteers in the Alzheimer’s Society Research Network has taught us that when a loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia, there is a big choice: will you face it or deny it?

"A short period of denial and confusion is understandable.

"We became involved because we wanted to help others face the challenge of dementia, whether from having the illness or being a carer."

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: "Our research network volunteers have worked tirelessly for two decades to ensure the knowledge and experiences of people affected by dementia are at the heart of the research agenda.

"On behalf of everyone at Alzheimer’s Society we’d like to thank them for all their dedication and passion over the last 20 years – dementia research would not have made the progress it has today without them.

"Research will beat dementia, but we need more funding to find a cure.

"However, it’s not all about a cure – we also need to research cause, care and prevention.

"We owe it to the people in Warrington currently living with dementia to understand the condition better, so that they can live better.

"Our research network volunteers are at the forefront of making sure the £150 million we invest in dementia research over the next decade will have the biggest impact."

The Cheshire Memory Walk, raising money for the society, is taking place at Arley Hall and Gardens near Appleton on Saturday, October 12.

You can register online and visit the society's website for more information.