Heriot-Watt University and the University of Strathclyde have been awarded £2 million in funding by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to spearhead a groundbreaking project aimed at improving the lives of people living with dementia. The initiative, named the CONSOLIDATE network, seeks to develop innovative technologies that promote independent living and enhance the quality of life for those affected by the condition.
The three-year programme is a partnership between the universities, Age Scotland, NHS boards across Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, and other organisations. It aims to address the growing challenge of dementia in the UK, where cases are projected to rise from one million today to 1.4 million by 2040.
Professor Alan Gow of Heriot-Watt University emphasised the transformative potential of technology in dementia care: “Technology has immense potential to support people living with dementia, from virtual assistants promoting social engagement to smart sensors monitoring activity and even robots aiding daily tasks—the tools exist.”
Professor Mario Parra Rodriguez from Strathclyde added: “By equipping emerging technologies with knowledge contributed by relevant disciplines and mapping such developments to the needs and preferences of those who will benefit from them, we can achieve unprecedented levels of personalised care.”
A key aspect of CONSOLIDATE is its focus on co-creation with individuals living with dementia. Anna Clements, Head of Dementia at Age Scotland, stressed the importance of designing technology with people rather than for them: “For example, sensor technology can help make living spaces safer and more secure, but people living with dementia want more than to simply be monitored. They want technology that supports their independence, helps them stay engaged, and allows them to live independently for as long as possible.”
The initiative also moves away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach by tailoring solutions to the diverse needs of individuals at different stages of dementia progression.
The funding comes as part of a broader £6 million investment by UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Professor Charlotte Deane, EPSRC Executive Chair, remarked: “We are investing in research that could lead to new technologies and innovations that will help keep people safe and independent.”
With dementia being one of the biggest challenges in health and social care globally, this project underscores Scotland’s leadership in harnessing technology for impactful solutions.
