The IDEAL programme is led by REACH at the University of Exeter.  It explores people’s experiences of living well with dementia by completing interviews made up of multiple questionnaires with people living with dementia across Great Britain. The IDEAL programme has been running since 2014 and will continue until 31st December 2022.

In response to Covid-19  the IDEAL programme have produced new guidance as part of a major project to support people with dementia and family carers who are facing isolation and reduced services.

‘A new leaflet features five simple tips, developed using the latest robust research and with the input of people affected by dementia. The leaflet is part-funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), in a project led by the University of Exeter and the NIHR Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, with partners including Alzheimer’s Society, Manchester University, Bradford University, Brunel University London and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South-West Peninsula (PenARC).

The leaflet is the first output of an ongoing project to support people living with dementia and their carers through the COVID-19 global health emergency. The project recognises that people with dementia are particularly vulnerable to the psychological and social impacts of isolation and lockdown. The project takes into account the concerns expressed by people with dementia through partner networks such as Alzheimer’s Society, Innovations in Dementia and the DEEP network. They are describing concerns about maintaining supplies of food and medications, anxiety about what would happen if they were admitted to hospital, lack of confidence, feelings of loss and grief, increases in symptoms like agitation, and a more rapid decline in cognitive and functional ability.’

To access the leaflet click here