I’ve just been reading some excellent material by Swarbrick et al (1) and Morbey et al (2). It covers work that has been going on to ensure meaningful involvement and inclusion of people with dementia as co-researchers rather than as subjects of research. There is a powerful recognition of the need for a move away […]

As a director of Innovations in Dementia, I am involved in a range of different projects, but one important part of my work is to help facilitate the Minds and Voices group, part of the DEEP UK network of dementia voices. Last month at Minds and Voices we created a constitution. It’s no big deal […]

At this year’s Dementia Congress in Brighton I sat alone and listened to the Tom Kitwood Memorial address – a rare opportunity amidst a mighty presence and input by people with dementia via the DEEP network. I found myself reflecting on my 20 years working in the dementia field, being inspired by Kitwood’s work as […]

Why are design and the environment of such importance to people who are living with dementia? This question takes us back to three core principles: The first is that the experience of living with dementia can only be understood within the social model of disability. That is to say that, while the clinical symptoms of […]

In the disability field, it is increasingly the case that people who use services, rather than professionals, have control over the research process. They plan and undertake research, and interpret the findings. In the ‘dementia world’, DEEP – the UK Network of Dementia Voices which iD hosts – is growing rapidly and now comprises almost […]

I’m so glad that Dementia Awareness Week has changed its name this year to Dementia Action Week! While awareness is an essential foundation for change, in my view it’s high time we had more action. At Innovations in Dementia, we prioritise action-based projects which will have a real practical benefit for people who are living […]