Four new research networks are being set up to focus on creating technologies to help dementia patients manage memory loss, communication difficulties and cope better with everyday tasks.
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced the initiative, saying it is aimed at slowing the progress of the disease and maximising the time that people with dementia can spend safely and happily at home.
The teams of researchers, developers, health and social care professionals will work alongside people living with dementia and carers on relevant projects.
One of the networks will be led by the University of Sheffield, to develop technologies to help dementia patients communicate as their disease progresses, supporting speech and memory challenges
A team at Heriot-Watt University will lead an effort to develop technology to anticipate, and where possible slow, progression of dementia patients’ symptoms.
Northumbria University will lead the creation of local hubs in rural and remote areas, where dementia patients can access technology to help them with everyday tasks.
Finally, Imperial College London will develop easy-to-use tools to support independent living, and AI to support data analytics.
Range of partners
The networks will collaborate with a range of partners including NHS bodies, Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK and local authorities and councils, to deliver the projects.
The projects are being backed by Government, with the minister of state for health set to unveil £6.7 million in funding tomorrow at the World Dementia Council Summit.
The money will come from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society.
Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth, said: “Dementia is a cruel and heartbreaking disease, not only for those living with it, but for the families and friends who often watch their loved one become a shadow of the person they once were.
“Backing these groundbreaking technologies won’t just help people with dementia - it’ll transform their lives, giving people the freedom to stay in their own homes, around the people they love.
“Moving care out of hospitals and into communities isn’t just smart healthcare - it’s about giving people independence. Britain will be at the forefront of dementia innovation, backing cutting edge research and rolling out life changing technologies that deliver real results for patients and families.
“This is exactly the bold thinking we need at the heart of our Plan for Change.”
Major challenge
Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Dementia is one of the biggest challenges to health and social care of our time. These four networks will take on that challenge, harnessing technology to improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.
“Helping people with dementia to live more independently will allow us to move their care from hospitals to communities, reducing strain on the NHS and supporting the plans for health that are key to our Plan for Change.”
DHSC said that, according to an Alzheimer’s Society survey, 85% of people have said they would prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible if diagnosed with dementia, but many are currently unable to do so.
It is hoped these projects will help slow the progression of the disease and provide a better quality of life for people living with dementia, to help people out of hospital and back into the community, where they’re most comfortable.
