Researchers at Lancaster University will be part of one of four new networks boosting the use and development of novel tools and technologies enabling people with dementia to remain independent at home for longer.
The networks are announced on the day of the World Dementia Council Summit (March 25) which is championing the role of innovation to deliver change through health systems.
They are funded by £6 million from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in partnership with the charity Alzheimer's Society.
One team, led by the University of Sheffield and including Dr Joseph Lindley and Dr Roger Whitham, from Lancaster University, will develop adaptive technologies to evolve with the changing needs of dementia patients and their families, from assisting with speech and memory to developing intuitive ways for online and face-to-face socialising.
BRIDGES for Dementia Network (Building Research Innovation co-Developing Greater Empowerment and Support for people living with Dementia) will work with local councils, technology companies, community health and wellbeing and lived experience groups.
Dr Lindley said: "We're thrilled to bring our world-leading design research expertise to bear on this significant investment around dementia and technology.
"The network brings together experts in medicine, engineering, communication, and human-computer interaction, but Lancaster's contribution will be pivotal in using Design Research to shape the direction the innovation takes."
There are currently around one million people in the UK with dementia. This is projected to rise to 1.4 million people by 2040.
A survey by Alzheimer's Society revealed that 85% of people said they would want to stay at home for as long as possible if diagnosed with dementia.
The networks will lead research to help people living either at home or in residential settings including private residents, care and nursing homes, sheltered accommodation and social housing.
The new research aims to support with everyday activities from managing symptoms and health issues to enabling social connections.
The teams will explore how technologies can link up with existing health and social care services. This will help ease burden on the NHS and support the shift towards moving care from hospitals to communities and making better use of technology.
Each network will be led by pioneering teams of researchers, developers, engineers and health and social care professionals.
They will work alongside people living with dementia and carers to ensure their lived experience and changing needs are at the heart of innovations.
The networks will collaborate with a range of partners including the NHS, charities such as Alzheimer's Society, Age UK, and Alzheimer's Research UK and local authorities.
EPSRC Executive Chair Professor Charlotte Deane said: "These networks will bring together a wealth of expertise from across academia, healthcare, charities and, crucially, people with lived experience to find solutions that will lead to healthier and more fulfilling lives for those affected by dementia."
Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer's Society said: "As technology develops at pace, it's critical we harness it, using AI, digital health, and community support to create simple, effective solutions. We're excited to see what the future holds."
- The UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the main funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK. Their portfolio covers a vast range of fields from digital technologies to clean energy, manufacturing to mathematics, advanced materials to chemistry.
