Plymouth University goes to Parliament to demonstrate technological advances in dementia treatment

The nation’s political leaders are being given a unique opportunity to see for themselves how cutting edge technology could transform the lives of those affected by dementia.

Academics from Plymouth University, and partners across the health and charity sectors, are holding an interactive exhibition in the Houses of Commons to show how high-tech developments can improve the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

The exhibition, on Thursday 5 September, will show how robots already being used to help children during stays in hospital could be used to support those with dementia.

MPs will have the opportunity to use the ACE mobile assessment tool – developed by the University’s School of Medicine, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and the Devon Partnership NHS Trust – which is a safe, reliable, secure and easy to administer screening tool for dementia using the widely adopted Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination.

There will also be presentations about telehealth projects, designed to support dementia sufferers and their families, and a range of partnership initiatives aimed at improving the treatment of the condition.

Ian Sherriff, Plymouth University’s Academic Lead for Dementia and one of the Prime Minister’s national dementia champions, said: “Millions of people are directly affected by dementia, from the sufferers through to their families and friends.

"Improved research is vital to tackle the effects of this devastating condition, and the use of the latest innovative technology is a key element which is constantly being developed. Through improved diagnosis, better care and increased support and awareness, we can transform lives and communities right across the country.”

The event at the House of Commons is being led by Plymouth University, but will also feature representatives from the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Devon Partnership NHS Trust, the Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance, Plymouth SeniorNet and the city’s Clinical Effectiveness and Medicines Optimisation Team.

Oliver Colvile, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, is also supporting the exhibition. He said: “The work that Plymouth University is doing on dementia research is staggering, and has brought the issue to the forefront of the local and national debate.

"At a time when the British population is living longer, it is only right that we stand up and help tackle this terrible condition. I’m delighted that such excellent work on such an important topic has put Plymouth firmly on the national map.”

Plymouth University is among the national pioneers in dementia research, and earlier this year committed to becoming the UK’s first dementia friendly university. This has already seen dementia embedded in a range of courses, with hundreds of staff and students given training in how to spot signs of the condition and its impact on affected families.