University of Liverpool Hosts Launch of New Dementia Network by Labour MP
University alumna and former public health researcher, Debbie Abrahams MP joined delegates at the inaugural ESRC Equalities in Dementia Network Plus event this week.
The Labour MP and Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dementia joined remotely from Westminster to welcome the 130 delegates. People with dementia, unpaid carers, health and social care professionals joined for the launch of the first national network dedicated to finding solutions to inequalities in dementia diagnosis and care.
It was announced recently that the Alzheimer’s Society, Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) have awarded £5.5 to four dementia networks – of which the ESRC Equalities in Dementia (EquaDem) Network Plus, received £1.5m.
Spearheading the new network is Dr Clarissa Giebel, Senior Research Fellow in the Institute of Population Health at the University of Liverpool and Dame Louise Robinson, Regius Professor of Ageing at Newcastle University. Together they will bring together a network of people with academic, professional, and lived experience and expertise of dementia.
Dr Giebel said: “Sadly, our ongoing research illustrates the significant disparities in diagnoses and care with ‘postcode lotteries’ of access to help. This event was a huge success with lively discussion and clear will from all attendees to work together to address this urgent issue. Louise and I were particularly pleased to welcome Debbie Abrahams, who we will be working closely with in her role as Co-Chair of the AGPPG on Dementia. Today marks the start of our important journey where we will bring together opinions, knowledge and voices from across the UK to address these inequalities.”
Debbie Abrahams MP said: “I am proud to play a role in the launch of the first national network dedicated to finding solutions to inequalities in dementia diagnosis and care and I’m thrilled to see this level of recognition and investment into Dementia research.
“Dementia currently affects nearly a million people in the UK, and this number is expected to rise. To ensure that those affected receive the necessary support and understanding, we must fund research and raise awareness about the brain diseases that cause dementia.
“The £1.5 million grant to the EquaDem Network has come at a vital time. Inequalities in dementia care are widening, this network provides a unique opportunity to focus on both solutions and support.
“Congratulations to all those involved in this crucial project, I look forward to seeing further research and investment into Britain’s leading cause of death, dementia.”