In a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life for people living with dementia, the UK government is funding four innovative research networks aimed at helping dementia patients maintain independence in their own homes. The projects, supported by a £6.7 million grant from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), focus on developing technologies that address key challenges such as memory loss, communication difficulties, and everyday task management.
The research teams, led by top universities and healthcare experts, will collaborate closely with dementia patients and carers to ensure that their real-world needs are central to the development process. The networks include:
- University of Sheffield: Developing technologies to support dementia patients with communication and memory challenges.
- Heriot-Watt University: Creating solutions to slow the progression of dementia symptoms.
- Northumbria University: Establishing rural hubs offering dementia patients access to assistive technology.
- Imperial College London: Designing AI-powered tools to support independent living.
Health Minister Karin Smyth emphasized the importance of these innovations in helping people with dementia live in their homes for longer, saying, “This groundbreaking technology will transform lives, allowing people with dementia the freedom to stay at home with their loved ones.”
With 85% of people preferring to stay in their homes if diagnosed with dementia, these initiatives aim to slow disease progression and reduce hospital admissions, aligning with the government’s Plan for Change to shift healthcare from hospitals to communities. The collaboration involves key organizations such as the NHS, Age UK, and Alzheimer’s Society.
This initiative is poised to set the UK at the forefront of dementia care, with significant potential to improve outcomes for patients and families alike.
Source: UK Government, Alzheimer’s Society, 2025
Excerpts from nationalhealthexecutive.com article
