What TREE stands for

The values behind TREE

T: Trust and relationship building

Trust is essential when involving people in dementia research, especially communities that are often overlooked. Trust builds over time through honesty, consistency and care. Strong relationships help people work together. They also help grow respect for people’s backgrounds and experiences.

R: Respect and inclusivity

People living with dementia have the right to be involved in research. Their experience matters. Respect means recognising their independence. It also means not making assumptions about what people can do. Inclusive practice removes barriers to involvement. It creates welcoming spaces where people can share their experiences and learn from one another.

E: Empathy and understanding

Everyone experiences dementia differently. Empathy means listening with care and interest. It means taking time to understand what matters to each person. When involvement is flexible and responsive, research becomes more respectful and more useful.

E: Experience

Lived experience brings valuable knowledge to dementia research. Researchers need to be open to learning from people living with dementia. Listening supports more equal relationships. It also creates space for shared learning and honest conversation throughout the research process.