Approximately one in five dementia hospitalizations are due to preventable causes.
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is working with the NHS to carry out a new two-year study in preparation for the integration of Minder, a digitally enabled dementia care platform, into health and social care services.
The research, funded by LifeArc, will enable digital care for people with dementia whilst helping the NHS and social care services deliver the highest quality care in patients’ homes.
Dementia, which is estimated to affect 944,000 people in the UK, is a general term used to describe a decline in memory, thinking and decision-making abilities that affects daily life.
Developed by the UK’s DRI Centre for Care Research and Technology, Minder is a home monitoring platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology to integrate with public services and prevent hospitalisation of dementia patients through early detection of common problems such as infections.
Currently, around one in five hospital admissions for people living with neurological conditions is due to preventable causes, such as falls, neuropsychiatric disorders and infections.
Early detection and addressing of these issues can reduce hospital admissions, benefiting both people with dementia and public services.
Following a successful pilot phase, the new study will prepare Minder for integration with existing NHS services, developing new protocols for linking, data sharing and evaluation of the clinical, economic and patient benefits of the model, and is due to complete in April 2026.
Professor David Sharpe, director of the UK DRI Centre for Care Research and Technology, commented: “We are now ready to test this innovative model on a larger scale, enabling many more people with dementia to receive personalised support at home.”
Dr Dave Powell, LifeArc’s Chief Scientific Officer, said: “AI and advanced digital platforms have the potential to revolutionise dementia care, and the Minder platform will play a key role in enabling people with dementia to live longer and independently at home.”
