A new £1.6 million initiative led by Newcastle University aims to revolutionise dementia care across North East and North Cumbria (NENC) by connecting people with dementia to existing and emerging technologies.
The project, named Technology Empowered Dementia Independence (TEDI) Network Plus, is funded by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society. The initiative brings together academic researchers, NHS Trusts, local authorities, charities, and individuals affected by dementia.
The goal is to bridge current gaps in care and improve access to technologies that support physical, cognitive, and social wellbeing. These include tools for daily living, tracking disease progression, and linking individuals with services and support networks.
A Regional Effort to Promote Independent Living
Led by Professor Dame Louise Robinson, the network will:
- Map the dementia journey in the region to identify key service gaps and opportunities for technological intervention.
- Fund and co-develop user-friendly tech solutions in collaboration with people living with dementia, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
- Establish community technology hubs, where people can explore, borrow, and receive guidance on assistive technologies.
“Our aim is to make technology more accessible and inclusive,” said Professor Robinson. “Through TEDI, we want to reduce inequalities in dementia care and empower families to live more independently with the right support.”
Over the next three years, TEDI will also collaborate with other EPSRC Network Plus initiatives to integrate cutting-edge research into real-world dementia support systems.