Challenges, Solutions and Innovation in 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.

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.