Brain Ageing and Dementia in LMICs 2024
I attended this conference which provided a forum to discuss risk factors and increasing burden of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases including HIV Dementias in the context of incidence, modifiable risk factors, genetics, biomarkers, diagnosis and dementia care in cross-cultural populations in low and middle income countries (LMICs) compared to Europe, North America and Japan and other High-Income Countries. This forum provided a perfect opportunity to expand my personal and professional networks.
I presented a poster at the forum and was also invited to give a short talk about the ENGAGE project. I shared how we are using theatre and music to raise dementia awareness in Meru county in Kenya. This forum provided great networking opportunities where I was able to connect with new people and get feedback about my project from those affected by dementia and people supporting them.
I was invited to speak at the Meru University of Science and Technology conference (MUSTIC2024) whose theme was Science in the Service of Climate Action. I spoke about the health impacts of climate change, and focused specifically on climate change impact on mental health and well-being. I also highlighted the ENGAGE project, which served to raise awareness about dementia in a context where it is not well understood or acknowledged.
The conference offered me with an opportunity to speak about the ENGAGE project, as well as expand my networks and gain new collaborators.
April 2024
March 2024
I am looking forward to presenting the ENGAGE project at the ILD Research and Knowledge Exchange Café on Thursday 4th April 2024 from 2-4pm in QM167, Queen Mary Building at Greenwich Campus
I attended the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Research Conference 2024 held at the University of Greenwich.
October 2023
Presenting the ENGAGE project to Dementia Associates at the Salford Institute for Dementia, Professional Theatre Artists and Dementia Advocates
November 2023
I attended this year's Global Conference on 'Healing the Brain, Bridging the Gap in Low and Middle-Income Countries" in Nairobi Kenya.From interacting with other delegates at the conference, it become clear that dementia is not well understood and has not been prioritised in mental health policies in the African region.
Dementia is perceived as a normal part of ageing and the need to raise public awareness was stressed.
During a session on 'Dementia Assessment and Interventions: Building tools in LMICs',the need to focus on screening younger generations and using validated tools was emphasised. Better tools will lead to better diagnosis which will inform the development of appropriate interventions.The importance of providing researchers with a space to make a contribution to policy making was highlighted. Of critical importance is the need for community partnerships/bottom up approaches to influence the delivery of services and help fight stigma.
