Sharing Opportunities in Worldwide Dementia Care

Recently, the University of Plymouth hosted the National and International Perspectives of Dementia conference, bringing together global experts and community representatives to highlight innovative projects and research aimed at supporting people living with dementia.

Held at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park and hosted by broadcaster Angela Rippon CBE, the conference showcased a broad range of local, regional, national, and international initiatives that are making a positive impact on dementia care.

A key moment of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Plymouth and Nanfang College in Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China. This agreement paves the way for future research collaborations and student exchange opportunities. The delegation from Nanfang College also visited University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP), meeting with staff to learn about multidisciplinary approaches to dementia care, dementia-friendly ward initiatives, and the Trust’s commitment to respectful and coordinated care for patients with dementia.

The conference also featured presentations from representatives from Ukraine, Japan, Belgium, and Gibraltar, sharing their experiences and community-led approaches to dementia support. Highlights included demonstrations of patient-centred technologies by Plymouth Science Park’s Health Technology & Innovation Hub, including the use of artificial intelligence as a supportive tool for individuals with dementia and their families.

Angela Rippon and conference organiser Ian Sherriff BEM further raised local awareness by sharing a dementia care video at a halftime event during a Plymouth Argyle football match against Sheffield United.

Reflecting on the importance of the event, Ian Sherriff said:

Over half of people believe that dementia is a normal part of ageing and not something health professionals or the public need to worry about, but it’s a condition that desperately requires more education and research. However, with more support for carers, clinical trials, and education, we can work towards finding treatments, and that’s what the conference is all about.

The conference served as a platform to encourage greater understanding of dementia and to inspire the next generation of health professionals to advance care and research in this field.

The Rural Services Network welcomes the international collaboration and the focus on sharing knowledge and innovative practices that emerged from this event. As rural areas often face unique challenges in delivering dementia care and support, learning from both national and global initiatives will be crucial in shaping more inclusive and responsive care strategies for rural communities.