Four new research projects have received £6.7 million funding to help dementia patients live independently as long as possible. 

Four new research projects backed by the government with £6.7 million funding will focus on developing technologies to help dementia patients manage memory loss, communication difficulties and cope better with everyday tasks. 

The four projects are run by the University of Sheffield, which is developing technology to help dementia patients communicate as their disease progresses; Heriot-Watt University, which is working on technology to anticipate and, where possible, slow the progression of dementia symptoms; Northumbria University, which is developing hubs in rural and remote areas, where dementia patients can access technology; and Imperial College London, which is developing tools to support independent living.

The networks will also collaborate with a number of organisations including the NHS, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK as well as local authorities and councils. 

Freedom to stay at home

“Backing these ground-breaking 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,” said Karin Smyth, minister of state for health. 

The funding comes from the UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society.

The teams will work alongside people living with dementia and carers to ensure a lived experience. 

According to an Alzheimer’s Society survey, 85% of people have said they would prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible if diagnosed with dementia, but many are currently unable to do so. 

“This is a really exciting opportunity that will bring together UK scientists and partners from health and social care, industry, third sector and lived experience, to develop new technologies that will help people affected by dementia to live independently for as long as possible,” said David Sharp at Imperial College London and director of the Care Research and Technology Centre at the UK Dementia Research Institute.