February 27 2025, Nairobi Kenya
The community advisory group, formed at the start of the project, has been crucial in advising on the project, creating dementia awareness, and disseminating the project's outcomes. The group recently presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, Neuroscience Next conference (Nairobi hub) in February 2025.
December 3- 6 2024, Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi, Kenya
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.
September 11-12 2024, Nairobi Kenya
The Future of Dementia in Africa: Advancing Global Partnerships
This forum was organised by Nature conferences in partnership with Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative and the Aga Khan University. The forum took place in Nairobi from September 11th-12.
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.
September 5-6 2024
#IDC2024
I spoke at the International Dementia conference 2024 in Sydney, Australia about the ENGAGE project. I talked about our international partnership approach to co-create dementia awareness strategies and messages with local communities in rural Kenya and people living with dementia / those supporting them based in Salford, Manchester in the UK. The conference was attended by more the 1,000 passionate delegates in two life-changing days.
June 2024
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.
I attended the 16th International Dementia Conference held in Mullingar Ireland. The conference titled ‘Diversity in Dementia: Embracing Differences, Connecting Minds’, was attended by over 300 people who included people living with dementia, caregivers, academics and organisations supporting those living with dementia and their families. The conference provided an opportunity to explore approaches being taken by experts around the world to support those living with dementia, and to also discuss the urgency required in addressing dementia in Ireland and globally. The conference underscored the commitment to inclusivity and equity in addressing dementia globally. 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
24.04.24
4.04.2024
I gave a talk at the Research and Knowledge Exchange cafe at the University of Greenwich, Institute for Lifecourse Development. I talked about the experiences of dementia in Kenya and discussed how the ENGAGE project is collaborating with local communities and international partners to co-develop strategies for awareness-raising.
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
March 2024
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
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.
