Government-backed research on technology for those with dementia is to help them liv more independently in their own homes.
Four new research networks led by the UK’s top researchers, developers, and health and social care professionals will focus on creating technologies to help dementia patients deal with memory loss, communication difficulties, and handle daily tasks better.
The University of Sheffield is developing technologies to help dementia patients communicate as their disease progresses, supporting speech and memory challenges, and Heriot-Watt University is developing technology to anticipate and slow down the progression of a dementia patient’s symptoms.
Northumbria University is developing local hubs in rural and remote areas where dementia patients can access technology they might need on a daily basis, and Imperial College London is developing easy-to-use tools to support independent living, and using AI to support data analytics.
Government-backed, the minister of state for health is set to announce a £6.7 million funding package for this later this week.
Working alongside those living with dementia and carers, the teams will also collaborate with key partners such as the NHS, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, as well as local authorities and councils, ensuring expertise at all levels is consulted on.
Minister of state for health, Karin Smyth, said: “Dementia is a cruel and heartbreaking disease, not only for those living with it, but for 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.”
