“We’re making strides in dementia care and policy change globally, but there’s so much more to do.”
The 8th Plymouth International Dementia Conference is taking place this week, welcoming a host of speakers from around the world to discuss some of the most pressing global dementia challenges today.
The conference, run online over three consecutive Wednesdays from 27 October, highlights the reciprocal work taking place across academia and the city to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
As well as covering some of the key developments for people with dementia and their carers worldwide – from the sunflower lanyards in the UK to an Alzheimer’s radio station in the USA, alongside the latest from China, Japan and Africa – the event also welcomes poets, singers and theatre companies to share their work.
Event lead, Ian Sherriff BEM – Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia at the University of Plymouth and supported by the National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (PenARC) – said: “We’re making strides in dementia care and policy change globally, but there’s so much more to do. This conference gives a snapshot of the amazing things taking place worldwide, and I hope we can all learn from each other to effect change in our respective areas.
“This is the eighth International and National conference we’ve run and, while meeting in person brings about lots of networking, holding it online enables us to broadcast to – and welcome guests from – all over the world. It’s designed to be bite-sized, informative and empowering for everyone, whether they have dementia, care for someone with the condition or just want to find out more.
Anthony Caleshu, Professor of Poetry and Creative Writing in the University of Plymouth’s School of Society and Culture, will be reading his poem to close each day of the conference.
The conference panel, who will take part in each day, consists of:
- Ian Sherriff BEM, Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia and part of Plymouth Dementia Working Group, PenARC & University of Plymouth
- Angela Rippon CBE, presenter and dementia champion
- David Fitzgerald, BBC presenter
- Jeremy Hughes CBE, national dementia expert
- Claire Puckey, Dementia Friendly City Coordinator, Plymouth City Council