Bradford launches next generation of dementia research leaders

The Bradford DTC is one of eight new specialist doctoral training centres around the country that are funded by the Alzheimer’s Society in its recent investment in future research leaders. Doctoral studies at Bradford will focus on improving care, health and wellbeing at points of transition for people affected by dementia.

The event which takes place Wednesday 9 March, 11-3pm at the University, will introduce health and social care professionals and members of the public to the aims of the centre and the first cohort of students.

The Centre aims to build research capacity in dementia, creating the future leaders that dementia research needs. The Centre will further enhance the University’s international reputation for applied person-centred dementia care and services research by funding seven PhD students to develop new ways to support people with dementia and their families and improve the quality of dementia care at times of transition.

The first cohort of student projects include:

• Supporting family carers to care for relatives living with dementia and health problems – Denise De Waal, supervised by Prof Murna Downs, Dr Heasman and Prof Small.
• Optimising the transition to coping with behavioural distress in people living with dementia in south Asian families – Akhlak Rauf, supervised by Prof Jan Oyebode and Dr Sahdia Parveen
• Optimising the transition from home to hospital: Enhancing triadic communication to improve the quality of dementia care – Courtney Shaw, supervised by Prof Gerry Armitage and Dr Andrea Capstick
• Medicines optimisation during and following transitions of care for older people with dementia living in care homes – Suzanne Hill, supervised by Prof Alison Blenkinsopp, Dr David Alldred and Dr Sarah Smith

The event will include a welcome from Professor Murna Downs, Head of the School of Dementia Studies and a look at why the centre is important by Dr Doug Brown, Head of Research, Alzheimer’s society.

Professor Murna Downs said “We are delighted to celebrate creating the next generation of dementia care researchers.”

Sessions will look at involving a range of people with dementia care, including families, carers and health and social care staff. There will also be a chance to meet the researchers.

The free event is open to anyone with an interest in Dementia Care. To book on to the event visit http://www.brad.ac.uk/health/dementia/doctoral-training-centre/