People living with dementia and their families and carers will get the chance to find out about dementia research currently taking place in NHS Trusts across the region at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) Dementia Fayre on Monday 15th May

Kelly Waterfield, NNUH Research Nurse and Anne Sykes, Patient and Public Involvement Manager for Clinical Research Network Eastern will be on hand to talk about the importance of dementia research and the benefits it has for patients.

In addition to showcasing what research is currently taking place, Kelly and Anne will also be giving information about Join Dementia Research (JDR) which gives people with dementia or memory problems, their carers, and people who are interested an opportunity to take part in dementia research studies. People with no diagnosis are also invited to take part in research studies too.

Kelly said: “Research is vital for improving the quality of life for those people living with dementia and helps develop better treatments to improve NHS care. Treatment across many medical specialities has come a long way over the years, and we want to raise awareness of why research into dementia is so important.”

Kelly added: “Raising awareness is a big part of our role, and we’re really looking forward to telling people about everything we do at the NNUH Dementia Fayre on Monday 15th May.”

The event will also feature stands from more than twenty public and charity sector community providers including: Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK Norfolk, Age UK Norwich, Norfolk County Council, Wymondham Support Group, Norfolk Carers Support, Equal Lives, Voluntary Norfolk, Independence Matters and many more.

Teams from within the hospital will be hosting stands to highlight the dementia support offered within the hospital, including NNUH nursing, NNUH library and the dementia support team.

Martyn Patel, NNUH Lead Consultant for Dementia said: “The event will be a fantastic opportunity to highlight what dementia support is available in Norfolk, and shows how we all want to work together to help improve the quality of life for those people living with dementia. Our county has a higher than average older population and dementia is a subject that touches many people.”

Information stands will be running from 10am-5pm in the East Atrium on levels one and two. There will also be a series of talks for the public in the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre, which will feature a variety of information, guidance and practical tips about dementia support.

The day will be hosting a pop-up dementia café and musical entertainment will be provided throughout the day.