We are delighted to have begun work as one of two new NIHR Policy Research Units in Dementia and Neurodegeneration as part of the NIHR’s Policy Research Programme (PRP). The number of people living with a neurodegenerative condition in England is growing: we need the right policies in place to ensure that systems and environments can best support people living with these conditions.
Professor of Clinical Psychology of Ageing and Dementia at the University of Exeter, Linda Clare, Director of DeNPRU Exeter said: “We know that the number of people living with dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions will increase over the coming years as our population ages. It is also likely that the length of time people live with these conditions will increase as treatments improve and they deserve the best quality of life possible. It is therefore essential that our policy-making in these areas is underpinned by robust data and evidence to ensure that the health and care system is best equipped to meet the challenges ahead and continue to provide the support needed in an efficient and compassionate way. The Policy Research Unit brings together a team of world-leading researchers in dementia and neurodegeneration and will ensure policy is based on the latest evidence.”
Work is already under way on our first three policy research projects:
- Reducing inequalities across the care pathway for minority ethnic communities
- Informing policy to better meet the needs of people living alone with dementia or another neurodegenerative condition
- Modelling the impact of preventive interventions on adult social care
As with any research endeavour, DeNPRU Exeter is a collaborative effort. The enthusiasm for this work from experts by experience, organisational stakeholders and health and social care professionals alike is inspiring and we look forward to seeing what we can do together.