Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, formally opened the launch of the new Dementia Network Plus, called SPIN Dementia Network+, representing Sustainable Prevention, Innovation and Involvement for Dementia. The network aims to increase understanding of brain health, reduce dementia risk, delay onset of early symptoms and lessen the impact of dementia through appropriate support and care and to stimulate new research and innovation through supporting new projects and engaging with communities.
Stephen, having also had personal experience of looking after his mum who had Alzheimer's disease towards the end of her life, spoke about the importance of wide involvement of many different groups of people across society in understanding dementia and for developing ways to support people living with dementia, and expressed "how important connection and involvement are, as huge drivers of innovation".
"Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, said: "The SPIN-Dementia Network+ will help us raise awareness that you can reduce your risk of developing dementia and emphasise that it's not just an inevitable part of ageing.
"The network provides a fantastic opportunity to exchange knowledge, resources and learning to help us understand how we can reduce the risk of dementia and improve experiences of living with the disease."
Led by the University of Exeter and University College London (UCL), the £1.7 million network was one of four to be announced in July, as part of an investment by the Economic Social research Council (ESRC), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Alzheimer's Society.
Now, the launch event brought together researchers with other communities, to reduce risks and encourage early support in dementia, through innovative research and collaboration.
SPIN Dementia Network+ combines research power from 15 universities with specialist organisations, it will bring together individuals living with dementia, carers and family members, researchers, and specialist dementia support organisations.
Alongside Mr Kinnock, attendees heard from Dr Jeremy Isaacs, the NHS's National Clinical Director for Dementia and Older People's Mental Health. The keynote speaker was Dr Karan Jutlla, from the University of Wolverhampton, who is a specialist in dementia care and inclusion, recognising the network's commitment to involving a diverse representation of members of the public in its work.
The SPIN Dementia Network+ includes a central role for those people with lived experience of dementia, including both those who have personal diagnosis of dementia, and those who support people with dementia.
SPIN Dementia Network+ co-lead Professor Chris Fox, at the University of Exeter, said: "We're delighted to launch SPIN Dementia Network+, which aims to plug a gaps in research. The well-publicised Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care suggests that dementia might be preventable in up to 45 per cent of the population. Our network aims to find new ways to translate this in the real world, through bringing together all the different organisations who can influence prevention and lifestyle, and crucially, involving a diverse representation of the public, who can help guide us on what will really work."
Professor Georgina Charlesworth at UCL, SPIN-Dementia Network+ co-lead, added: "We will be using our flexible research and innovation fund to support new work relevant to under-represented communities. We are looking to expand our knowledge and understanding of what makes a difference for maintaining wellbeing in populations where the risk is high, such as people with Down Syndrome, or a history of head injury or stroke."
Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer's Society, Dr Richard Oakley, said: "We know from critical research such as the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, part-funded by Alzheimer's Society, that a high proportion of dementia cases may be preventable. We're proud to be a partner in supporting the SPIN Dementia Network+, which is uniquely placed to build our knowledge of brain health and focus efforts to reduce dementia risk across a diverse range of communities.
"It is inspiring to be part of a collaboration that is driving research to tackle the biggest challenges for people affected by dementia. The Network+ teams bring together the knowledge of multiple academic, professional and lived experience experts, so we're excited to see how these groups build and deliver much needed solutions for people affected by dementia."
