UK project looks to tech to tackle dementia at home

The funding will be used to set up four university-led research networks, each looking at different ways technology can be used to support people with dementia and allow them to live more independent lives.

One team led by Sheffield University will develop adaptive technologies to evolve with the changing needs of people living with dementia and their families, from assisting with speech and memory to developing intuitive ways for online and face-to-face socialising. Another network led by Northumbria University will set up community technology hubs so that people in the North East can get advice and borrow devices to try at home. 

“Dementia is one of the biggest challenges to health and social care of our time,” said science minister, Lord Vallance. “These four networks will take on that challenge, harnessing technology to improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.

“Helping people with dementia to live more independently will allow us to move their care from hospitals to communities, reducing strain on the NHS and supporting the plans for health that are key to our Plan for Change.”