Pioneering Progress: Women Transforming the Future of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Society launched its new conversation series, Pioneering Progress, with an inspiring and insightful event held on Tuesday 11 November at the Charlotte Street Hotel in London. The series shines a light on the women who are driving forward innovation, research and social progress in the field of dementia.
The inaugural event brought together a remarkable all female panel whose work and lived experiences are helping to shape a brighter and more equitable future for people affected by dementia.
The panel featured:
Professor Claudia Cooper, co-leads a pioneering Alzheimer's Society-funded research programme, GRACE, that aims to tackle healthcare inequalities for people living with dementia. Professor Cooper is also a consultant old age psychiatrist and the co-Director of the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Dementia and Neurodegeneration at Queen Mary University of London.
Jayne Sibley, CEO and co-founder of Sibstar, the UK's leading debit card and app designed specifically for vulnerable adults, and which received early investment from Alzheimer's Society's Accelerator Programme. Inspired by her own personal experience caring for her parents living with dementia, Jayne identified a critical gap in financial services: empowering financially vulnerable adults to maintain their financial independence in a safe and secure way.
Francesca Hill, philanthropist who, alongside her husband Alastair, has been a passionate supporter of Alzheimer's Society's work. Alongside supporting the Society's research, Francesca also supports our campaigning and system change programmes.
Professor Fiona Carragher, Alzheimer's Society's Chief Policy and Research Officer. A Consultant Clinical Biochemist by background, Professor Carragher is responsible for Alzheimer's Society world-class research programme, while also strengthening our position as the national charity leader on dementia health and social care policy.
The discussion was moderated by Dr Kamel Hothi OBE, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador who has been involved for some 15 years to help raise awareness of dementia.
Dementia is the feminist issue of our time
Throughout the evening, panellists reflected on the challenges and opportunities shaping the dementia landscape. As Alzheimer’s Society’s Chief Policy and Research Officer, Professor Fiona Carragher shared that dementia is the feminist issue of our time. Her words resonated strongly as the conversation highlighted the extraordinary progress being made by women across research, innovation, advocacy and philanthropy. Their leadership is generating real hope, particularly for women who face a higher prevalence of dementia and often shoulder the greatest burden as unpaid carers.
Spotlight on Alzheimer’s Society’s GRACE programme
A key moment of the event was the spotlight on Alzheimer’s Society’s GRACE programme, led by pioneering researcher and panellist Professor Claudia Cooper. GRACE aims to transform access to high quality dementia care in both community and care home settings. Its mission is clear: to ensure that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, can receive excellent and equitable dementia care. This ambitious programme represents a vital step towards eliminating disparities and ensuring that no one is left behind. Alzheimer’s Society is proud to be funding and supporting such crucial work.
The launch of Pioneering Progress marked a powerful celebration of female leadership and a reaffirmation of Alzheimer’s Society’s commitment to building a fairer, more compassionate future for people affected by dementia. With so many women at the forefront of change, there is genuine optimism that together we can drive forward progress that benefits all.
About Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society is a leading UK charity dedicated to supporting everyone affected by dementia - including people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers. The charity provides information and practical support through services such as a national Dementia Support Line, dementia advisers, and an online community. In addition, Alzheimer’s Society funds ground-breaking research and campaigns to make dementia a priority for public health and social policy.
To learn more or access their services, please visit their website: alzheimers.org.uk
