chat Dementia Care, Design and Technology #DARG 2018

Earlier this week (7th and 8th February 2018) experts from academia and practice gathered at the internationally recognised Iris Murdoch Building to share the latest developments in dementia and ageing research.

The two day Dementia @ Stirling Seminar: Dementia Care, Design and Technology showcased the work of the Faculty of Social Sciences’ Dementia and Ageing Research Group (DARG), the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) and the Dementia Studies MSc teaching team at the University of Stirling.

The first day focused on technology, the acute hospital, care homes and population surveys and data, including a presentation about the Healthy AGeing In Scotland (HAGIS) study of people aged 50+ in Scotland by Professor David Bell. Day two focused on design, neighbourhoods and communities, housing and quality of life, finishing with a discussion about global challenges and solutions.

The conference opened with a keynote speech by Lesley Palmer, Chief Architect at DSDC, about Iridis – a revolution in the implementation of dementia design principles in homes, workplaces, care facilities and public buildings made possible by a Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) collaboration with Space Group.

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Delegates also heard from keynote speaker Dr Anne Killett, from the University of East Anglia on the challenges and rewards of co-production in dementia research and Professor Karim Hadjri, from the University of Sheffield on how we can look to develop more imaginative and inclusive forms of collective housing and neighbourhoods.

You can download the Conference booklet here to read more about the research that is currently being undertaken at the University of Stirling and how you can find out more about it.

Professor Emma Reynish, University of Stirling

Stirling’s Professor of Dementia Research and leader of the DARG Research Group Emma Reynish said: “At the University of Stirling, our dementia and ageing research and development activity focuses around the common goal of improving lives.

“Our research programmes deliver the ‘here and now’ findings that have the potential to make real-life differences.

“Coupled with ongoing development activities, we have the ability to deliver palpable impact to people living with dementia.”

At this event Professor Reynish announced the launch of the Dementia Fund – by texting the word ‘Dementia’ to 70500 you can donate £10, which will go directly towards funding dementia research, training, and innovation that will bring real life differences to people affected by dementia.

Following the success of this event, the Faculty’s Dementia Studies research and teaching team, in partnership with the Dementia Services Development Centre, will host an international masterclass on design for dementia and ageing later in the year. Be sure to register your interest here so you are the first to find out more.