Cutting-edge technology will be harnessed to help tackle memory loss and other symptoms of dementia so people can live for longer at home. A funding package of £6.7million will help experts create new ways to help people cope with everyday tasks and overcome difficulties communicating. The goal is to slow the progress the of the disease and maximise the time people can spend “safely and happily” in their own homes.
Nearly nine out of 10 people (85%) would prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible if diagnosed with dementia, according to an Alzheimer’s Society survey, but many cannot. Teams will work alongside people who have dementia and their carers to ensure their real and changing needs are met. This is part of an effort to shift healthcare out of hospitals and into the community.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield will develop technologies to help with speech and memory challenges. Their counterparts at Heriot-Watt University will come up with their own technology to both anticipate and slow the progress of dementia. Experts at Northumbria University will create local hubs in rural and remote areas where dementia patients will gain access to breakthroughs to help them with everyday tasks. And Imperial College London’s team will devise “easily-used tools” to support independent living while harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence.
These academics will collaborate with the NHS, Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK and local authorities. The funding will be unveiled on Tuesday at the World Dementia Council Summit.
Health minister Karin Smith 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.”
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.”
Professor Lucy Chappell, the chief scientific adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: “By developing networks and technologies that help people living with dementia stay independent for longer, and closer to home, we can help improve the quality of care that patients and their families receive. I welcome this collaboration which will increase the range of support enabling dementia patients to live independently at home and in their communities and freeing up vital time and resource for other areas of treatment and care.”
