Professor Li Su, Associate of Clare Hall, and his co-investigators have recently been awarded a £2 million grant for dementia research from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

His research is part of one of the four new networks funded by the EPSRC to support the development of novel technologies that will enable people with dementia to remain independent at home for longer. This is a significant area for development, given a survey by Alzheimer’s Society that revealed that 85% of people would want to stay at home for as long as possible if diagnosed with dementia. Further, the figures for people with dementia in the UK are projected to rise to 1.4 million by the year 2040.

The networks will research how new technologies can be integrated within existing health and social care services, easing the burden on the NHS and supporting the movement of care from hospitals to communities.

EPSRC Executive Chair Professor Charlotte Deane said, “These networks will bring together a wealth of expertise from across academia, healthcare, charities and, crucially, people with lived experience to find solutions that will lead to healthier and more fulfilling lives for those affected by dementia.”

Professor Li Su is co-leading the BRIDGES for Dementia Network, which will drive the development of adaptive technologies that support people with dementia as they develop progressive changes in abilities such as memory, speech, and sensory processing.

Read more about the impactful work of the four networks on the UKRI website.