Falling Walls Conference, Berlin 2015 - Breaking the Wall of Social Isolation

Professor Andrews was invited to speak at the 2015 Falling Walls conference in Berlin, Germany. The Falling Walls conference is a unique international platform for thought-leaders across disciplines in the sciences, business, politics, the arts and society.

Inspired by the world-changing event on 9 November 1989, the question of every Falling Walls gathering is: Which walls will fall next?

Watch Professor Andrews discussing “How Dementia Research Improves the Lives of Patients and Caregivers” in the film below.

BREAKING THE WALL OF SOCIAL ISOLATION How Dementia Research Improves the Lives of Patients and Caregivers June Andrews Professor of Dementia Studies, University of Stirling “Dementia” is the name for a group of symptoms that usually come slowly, often going unnoticed at first by relatives and friends, until a point is reached where the changes in the person’s behaviour and personality can no longer be ignored. At the time of diagnosis, in many countries, the affected person is at an advanced stage and has problems with everyday tasks and communication with other people. In fact, many people with dementia never receive a diagnosis at all, and all those affected continue to suffer from stigmatisation and isolation. According to the WHO, dementia is a “global health priority”, with the number of affected patients estimated at 44.4 million in 2013 and numbers expected to grow rapidly in the next decades. And it is not only patients who are affected: caregivers, partners and families are also distressed by the psychological, physical and economic consequences of living with dementia. To tackle dementia, there is an urgent need for new health and social care policies, improved health care and, most importantly, direct support and information to transfer the capacity and responsibility for care away from the state. June Andrews is a professor ofdementia studies and a recognised leader in the worldwide movement to improve services for people with dementia and their carers. A trained nurse, researcher and policy adviser, she has a highly interdisciplinary perspective on the topic – ranging from the immediate situation of patients and families to health institutions, professional staff and policy makers. At Falling Walls, June explains how her work aims to overturn current ways of thinking about dementia in order to prepare society for a future where the numbers will certainly increase. www.falling-walls.com/videos/June-Andrews-7184

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Image credit from thumbnail: Copyright @ Dirk Laessig