Helping improve quality of care for people with dementia

Researchers at the University of Plymouth are leading the way in making dementia as a global priority. Over 55 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia, and each year sees an additional 10 million new cases. In the UK, the most recent data indicates that 900,000 individuals are living with dementia, and new research suggests that this number could climb to 1.7 million in England and Wales by 2040. Looking specifically at young onset dementia, the NHS estimates that around 53,606 individuals could be diagnosed in the UK by 2024.

Ian Sherriff B.E.M, Academic Lead for Dementia at the University of Plymouth’s Faculty of Health and Chair of the Prime Minister’s Rural Dementia Group, has been instrumental in reshaping support structures, both nationally and globally, since 2012 when the then Prime Minster characterising dementia as a "quiet crisis that steals lives and tears at the hearts of families." The team has been challenging stigma and the need for support and understanding of dementia and has produced a “National Rural Dementia Guide for the Ten Thousand Parish and Town Councils in England, which has paved the way for major changes in support for people living with dementia and their families in rural England. As chair of the Prime Ministers Dementia Air Trans port group Ian’s visionary contributions extend from influencing parliamentary debates on dementia-friendly airports to co-inventing the Sunflower Lanyard which is supporting air travellers with hidden disabilities including dementia across the globe in 230 airports in over 30 countries by 15 airlines who recognise the symbol internationally. The sunflower has been adopted as Brazil's national symbol of disability. Sherriff's commitment to transforming the landscape of dementia support aligns seamlessly with the university's mission, illustrating a proactive and visionary approach to addressing the challenges posed by dementia on both a national and global scale.

Ian Sherriff's dedication is further evident in the university's proactive response to the expressed needs of individuals living with dementia. Collaborations with dental experts including the Chief Dental Officer for England, have resulted in the production of a comprehensive Dementia Dental Guide, subsequently circulated to all NHS dentists in England. Ian Sherriff's influence extends through the regular lectures and dementia awareness sessions he leads, providing essential insights and dispelling prevailing myths. Ian Sherriff and the committed team at the University of Plymouth embody the words of Margate Mead “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”. Their united mission revolves around championing dementia awareness, support, and understanding on a global scale.

Your donations can support further research to help people live as well as possible with the condition and continue the search for better care. Donations will fund research and PhD studentships to further develop community-based initiatives to positively impact those living with dementia.

Learn how your donations support our Dementia Research, improving the lives of those with dementia.