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.

News about our dementia initiatives

Ian Sherriff 10 Downing Street
Dementia expert invited to 10 Downing Street to share latest insight

Ian Sherriff BEM was among key national figures invited to a roundtable and reception

26 March 2024

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.