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With 85% of people expressing a preference to remain at home after a dementia diagnosis, the demand for innovative assistive technologies has never been greater. In response, four research networks funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, are pioneering new technological approaches to dementia care.
The networks were announced at the World Dementia Council Summit where representatives from over 160 organisations from around the world were in attendance. This year’s summit was themed ‘Disruption: Accelerating Innovation and Delivering Change”. This summit acknowledged how innovation is transforming the way we diagnose dementia, bringing forward new treatments, and introducing new technologies to deliver better care.
Each network will work at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and social care, ensuring that innovations are integrated seamlessly into existing systems.
The networks:
- BRIDGES for Dementia Network (University of Sheffield): This Network will be developing adaptive tools for speech, memory, and social interaction, including word-finding aids and music engagement platforms.
- CONSOLIDATE Network (Heriot-Watt University): This Network will explore how technology can sustain cognitive, physical, and social capacities, ensuring solutions are accessible and practical.
- TEDI Network Plus (Northumbria University): This Network will set up community technology hubs in the North East and North Cumbria to provide advice, device trials, and local service connections.
- ZeDTech Network (Imperial College London): This Network will create sustainable, scalable, and low-cost technology solutions, integrating AI to support mobility, health monitoring, and carer assistance.
These research networks will shape the future of dementia care, making sure that technological innovations are evidence-based, widely accessible, and seamlessly integrated into the healthcare system. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, the networks aim to develop scalable solutions that not only improve individual quality of life but also reduce pressures on the NHS and social care services.
Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, emphasised the importance of these efforts:
“One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. Research will beat dementia, and innovative networks like these will play an important part in helping people living with dementia today, and in the future, live independently for longer.
“As well as exploring ways to make daily life easier, and helping people with dementia feel more connected, they have the potential to ease pressure on the NHS. This could improve care for everyone as more people with dementia will be able to remain independent and cared for in the community for longer. 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.”
Lisa Hammond
Author
Lisa Hammond is a Research Communications Officers at Alzheimer’s Society. As part her my role, she shares and communicates the pioneering research that Alzheimer’s Society are funding. Lisa has a background in neuroscience and fine art which allows helps her to xplain science in an out of the box way. Outside work Lisa is a keen gardener, and she enjoys nature and anything creative.
Dementia Researcher
NIHR
