£1.7 Million Awarded to Improve Lives of People Affected by Dementia

Researchers at the University of Exeter have been awarded over £1.7 million to lead a new national initiative aimed at improving the lives of people affected by dementia. This initiative, known as the Dementia Network Plus, is one of only four such networks in the UK.

What is Dementia Network Plus?

The Dementia Network Plus is a strategic effort funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Alzheimer's Society. This network, co-led by the University of Exeter and University College London (UCL), brings together people living with dementia, researchers, and communities to reduce dementia risks and support early intervention through innovative research and collaboration.

Introducing SPIINNET

The University of Exeter-led network is named the "Sustainable Prevention, Innovation and INvolvement NETwork," or SPIINNET. This initiative combines the research expertise of 14 universities with various specialist organizations. The aim is to unite individuals living with dementia, carers, family members, researchers, and professionals from charities, health and social care services, and industries under a common goal.

A Collaborative Effort

SPIINNET aims to utilize the collective knowledge, experience, and resources of people across the network. Activities will include workshops for designing research projects, training events, funding for innovative ideas, awareness meetings about dementia prevention, and annual conferences to share learning and progress.

Chris Fox, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of Exeter and co-leader of the network, emphasized the potential impact of this initiative. "We now have high-quality research indicating that we could prevent up to 40 percent of dementia by taking meaningful action from mid-life. This funding will enable our new Dementia Network Plus to action the latest research to prevent dementia and work with people who have the condition to help them access early support and live the best lives possible."

Reaching Out to Communities

Dr. Georgina Charlesworth of UCL, also co-leading the SPIINNET Dementia Network, expressed her excitement about the initiative. "I’m delighted to be co-leading the SPIINNET Dementia Network. I hope that our work over the next four years will make a meaningful contribution to brain health, especially for those in at-risk or under-represented communities. We look forward to our work with partners across academia, industry, health and social care, and the voluntary and charitable sectors."

A Nationwide Initiative

SPIINNET will encompass several key collaborations, including the NIHR-funded Applied Research Collaboration (ARC), the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre, the newly funded HealthTech Research Centre, and the newly established Policy Research Unit. This comprehensive approach aims to create a responsive ecosystem that strengthens understanding, involvement, and innovation in dementia prevention research. The network will focus on enhancing the quality of experience, knowledge, and resources for people with dementia, their families, communities, and the NHS and social care sectors.

Broad Collaboration

The universities involved in this project are not limited to Exeter and UCL. The network includes Bangor, Cardiff Metropolitan, King’s College London, East Anglia, Northampton, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Southampton, Stirling, Strathclyde, Sunderland, and Worcestershire. This wide-ranging collaboration ensures a diverse and comprehensive approach to tackling dementia.

Leading the Way

Professor Sallie Lamb, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, highlighted the importance of this funding. "In the last few years, Exeter has been a lead partner in attracting more than £20 million of Government funding to the South West peninsula, to boost our abilities to translate high-quality research into innovations that will directly benefit people’s lives and health. This new network will operate across our centers, using our world-leading expertise to work directly with people who will benefit from measures to prevent dementia, and to get early support once diagnosed."

Conclusion

The establishment of SPIINNET marks a significant step forward in dementia research and support in the UK. With a focus on prevention, early intervention, and community collaboration, this network has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by dementia. By bringing together experts from various fields and engaging with communities, SPIINNET aims to create a future where dementia risk is reduced, and those living with the condition receive the support they need to live their best lives.