Public invited to interactive talk on dementia in Exeter

Members of the public are being invited to an interactive talk on, to hear more about the personal experiences of those living with dementia, and the portrayal of the condition in the media.

The event is part the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) annual Festival of Social Science taking place next month. It is part of the Improving the Experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) Project at the University of Exeter:

Dr Nelis said: “Over 850,000 people have a diagnosis of dementia in the UK, our work focuses on how people can ‘live well’ with dementia. This event will look at how we can better understand the experience of living with dementia and how we can all make a difference and promote accurate portrayals of dementia.”

Author Keith Oliver, from Kent, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 55, will speak at the event. He will discuss his thoughts on living with Alzheimer’s disease, including both the struggles and opportunities he’s encountered throughout his diagnosis. He said: “Initially it was such a shock. I hadn’t expected dementia at all. I was busy and successful and I loved my job. Yet even on that first day, when I got the diagnosis, I said to my wife ‘when one door closes, another door opens’. At that point, I had no idea what those new doors would hold, but actually a lot of it has been very positive.”

Researcher Dr Alex Hillman will also be speaking at the event, and will be sharing images like those we often view on TV to encourage audience members to reflect on how dementia is portrayed in mainstream media, and how this media depiction may shape their own views, as well as the experiences of those who live with the condition.

Steve Milton from Innovations in Dementia – a community interest company that works collaboratively with people with dementia to enhance their lives – will then lead a discussion on this topic, focusing specifically on how we can shift the way people with dementia are, often negatively, defined and described in the media.

The free event is organised by Dr Nelis, alongside colleagues Dr Catherine Quinn and Dr Ruth Lamont.

It is being held from 5.00–7.00pm on Tuesday 7th November in Studio 74, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, Exeter EX4 3LS.

To book your place, please visit http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/bookings/?webid=980&spektrix_bounce=true.