Challenges, Solutions and Innovation in Dementia

Transforming the lives of people with dementia

One in three people over the age of 65 will develop dementia. In England in 2012, 670,000 people have dementia. This number will double in the next 30 years. Among the over-55s, dementia is feared more than any other illness and at an estimated 23 billion pounds a year, the cost to our economy is huge. It is estimated that this is higher than the costs of cancer, heart disease or stroke. 
Our research focuses on community attitudes and behaviour change towards individuals with dementia and their carers, inequalities and differences between urban and rural dementia-friendly communities, and the impact of interventions on the wellbeing of individuals with dementia and their carers. We also strive to improve regional, national and international policy for the benefit of those with dementia and their families.
Our work towards Dementia-friendly communities is part of the VOYAGE initiative that harnesses research and innovation in the field of ageing across the University of Plymouth and its many external partners.

 

Research projects

Miniature aeroplane model placed on a map of the world, over the North Atlantic Ocean. 
Accessible air travel for people living with dementia

Aiming to improve access to air travel for people living with dementia and their companions
Adult granddaughter supporting her senior grandmother when taking her for walk with walker in the park during summer. They are surrounded by trees and pink flowers. 
Cultivating neighbourhoods that care

Developing an International Standards Organisation programme for designing neighbourhoods that care
Small gestures of kindness go a long way - closeup shot of two unidentifiable people holding hands in comfort. Credit: PeopleImages.
D-PACT: Dementia PersonAlised Care Team

Aiming to develop and evaluate a system for dementia support based in general practice for people living with dementia and their carers
Getty. Brixham. Fishing community, maritime, marine, devon
Dementia in the maritime community

Investigating how dementia has affected those who work within the maritime industry

News about our dementia initiatives

Illustration students with their comic as part of FIND ME project, supporting young people affected by dementia
Comic to help young people better understand dementia

My Dementia Guide was created by Illustration students

22 September 2026

Ian Sherriff with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Angela Rippon. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street
‘Put dementia on the agenda’ – Prime Minister endorses new guidance for town and parish councils
Dementia and farming
University teams up with National Association of Local Councils for groundbreaking research on dementia
Ian Sherriff receiving his 'Outstanding Contribution of the Year' Dementia Friendly award from the Alzeimer's Society
Leading figure in dementia care and research wins national award
Ian and Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon
Dementia champion awarded British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list
Ian Sherriff stood with members of the Sale Sharks Rugby Club
Dementia expert helps Premiership rugby players become Dementia Friends
Ian Sherriff (left) with HRH the Countess of Wessex and Major General (Rtd) Nick Caplin CB, Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK
Blind veterans charity to benefit from Plymouth’s research expertise

International connections

Who's involved?

Ian Sherriff

As Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia at the University of Plymouth Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Ian Sherriff has been involved in regional, national and international projects designed to improve the lives of people with dementia and their families. His work includes an ambition to help communities become more dementia-friendly and a passion for helping rural communities to better support people with dementia. Ian was appointed as Ambassador by the Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia support and research charity in 2016.
Jeremy Hughes, Vice Chair and Trustee, World Dementia Council said:
“Ian has been, and remains, one of the foremost champions for our cause. We are therefore delighted to welcome Ian as a new member of our Ambassador team. The knowledge and experience that he brings is invaluable and over the years he has built up significant networks with people with dementia and their carers and families, volunteers, politicians, journalists, academics and health and social care professionals."
Ian Sherriff

Conversations with Ian Sherriff, BEM


From the Fleet Air Arm to Social Work and Dementia - Ian never stops! Learn how he made Plymouth an award-winning dementia friendly city and much more as he speaks with Jeremy Hughes.

Coming Back to Me

Written by poet Karen Hayes, using lines contributed by people whose lives have been touched by dementia; read here by researchers, poets and supporters of the National Memory Day Project.

At the launch of National Memory Day, we asked you to create a poem inspired by your own experiences of dementia. The first line was contributed by Sir Andrew Motion, President of National Memory Day and former Poet Laureate.

This is what you created.