University of Salford opens research institute for dementia

The University of Salford has opened a research institute dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia.

The Salford Institute for Dementia will bring together academics from across the university with external advisors to investigate how the disciplines of health and social care, the built environment, product design, virtual reality, robotics and media and the arts can work together to support people with dementia.

Professor Maggie Pearson, the University’s pro vice chancellor for public benefit and dean of the College of Health & Social Care, said: “Salford’s research strengths across a range of disciplines will be harnessed by the Institute to make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia. There is currently no cure for this degenerative condition, so it is vital that we help people to maintain their independence for as long as possible, and to assist them in living comfortably when they are in the later stages of the condition.”

Ian Smith, chairman of Four Seasons Health Care and honorary professor at University of Salford, is a member of the Institute’s Advisory Board.

He said: “Four Seasons has achieved significant improvements in the wellbeing of people with dementia and a reduction in the need for medications through personalised care plans, a range of therapies and design of care homes to create a dementia friendly and sensory environment.

“I am looking forward to working with the Institute to bring our experience of health and social care approaches together with the University’s expertise in technology, the built environment, product design, media and arts to advance understanding and improve dementia care.”

Hazel Blears, Labour MP for Salford and Eccles and chair of the Institute’s Advisory Board said she is “thrilled that the University of Salford, which has already contributed valuable work around care and support, is establishing this Institute.” She added: ”I hope the recent G8 summit will be the beginning of a huge effort to harness expertise from around the world and the Institute has a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of that with its exciting, ground-breaking research.”

One of the ways the Institute will contribute to dementia research is by exploring the potential uses of technology and software that is being developed, which will use virtual reality to evoke memories and emotional responses.

At the early stages of dementia, people could be filmed talking to and embracing a loved one. When their memory fades they will be able to experience the moment again in a 3D multi-sensory environment which could trigger the original thoughts and feelings.

Another technology which is already being developed is robotics. Antonio Espingardeiro, a PhD researcher at the University, has created a robot which reminds elderly people to take their medication and to exercise. It can also provide 24-hour emergency notifications and directly connect to carers or GPs through video conference or SMS.

It will also work on design environment that can be used to help people living with dementia, that support everyday living in settings such as hospital wards, homes and gardens with the aim of maximising independence and reducing frustration.

There are 800,000 people with dementia in the UK and the number is set to double over the next 40 years.