Delivering a programme that connects the experience, knowledge and resources of people across the network to identify ways to reduce dementia risk and improve the day‑to‑day experiences of those living with dementia.
Why is the research needed?
Recent high-quality research indicates a significant proportion of dementia cases worldwide might be preventable or delayed by taking meaningful action from mid-life to address modifiable risk factors. However, recommendations for lifestyle changes (e.g. diet and exercise) have typically been culturally bound and individually focussed, presenting barriers to implementation in un(der)-researched populations, cultures and health-systems.
What are we doing?
The SPIN-D network aims to generate new knowledge and perspectives, raise awareness of culturally appropriate strategies to enhance brain health, improve access to high quality information, support, and care for people with neurocognitive disorders who avoid services due to fear or stigma; widen participation in dementia research in un(der)-researched groups. We are working across a range of stakeholder groups, with emphasis on working closely with those with lived experience of dementia to develop a collaborative network aimed at improving our understanding of brain health, dementia risk and supporting people during the early stages of dementia.
How are we working with communities, services and organisations?
We are working closely with those with lived experience of dementia, and in particular, have formed our core lived experience group who are involved in all aspects of the network activities. The network also works closely with organisations that support people with dementia and those who care for them, with researchers across a range of expertise in dementia care, brain health, genomics and data science, and with industry and policy organisations. The SPIN-D network funds pilot research projects in novel areas addressing new research opportunities, facilitates collaborative work through workshops and conferences, and engages with the general public through open science and health focussed community events.
What will the impact and benefits of this research be?
The impacts will include creation of a mutually responsive ecosystem which can strengthen understanding, involvement, and innovation in dementia prevention research to develop the quality of experience, effective knowledge and resources of people with dementia, families, communities, the NHS and social care.
What do we have planned for knowledge mobilisation and implementation?
SPIN-D works closely with different groups, for example early career researchers, to support knowledge exchange and training for engaging with wider stakeholders. Other activities include workshops where people can meet and design research projects together, training events, funding innovative ideas, meetings to raise awareness about dementia and prevention, and annual conferences to share learning.
Related papers, outputs and resources
Who is involved?
- Professor Chris Fox, University of Exeter and University of East Anglia
- Professor Georgina Charlesworth, University College London
- Fiona Poland, University of East Anglia
Get in contact
Email Professor Chris Fox or the project team at christopher.fox@exeter.ac.uk or spindnetworkplus@live.ucl.ac.uk.
