Virtual Dementia Care Research Conference

Sarah Murphy AS Prior to being elected, Sarah graduated from the School of Journalism, Media & Communication at Cardiff University with a MA in Digital Media & Society and worked for the Data Justice Lab. Her research focused on UK and international governments’ use of big data and algorithmic-design for public services, as well as AI in the workplace which is published in Transfer: European Journal of Labour and Research.

On 11 September 2024, Sarah was appointed Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Andrea holds a personal chair at Swansea University in Dementia Research and Neurocognition and is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. For over 25 years she has had a particular interest in non-memory changes in brain function in Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular Dementia, mild cognitive impairment and subjective cognitive decline, especially those relating to visual attention, pre-attentive visual processing and information processing speed, and has employed multiple technologies to investigate such functions.

Andrea works with an extensive international dementia interest and research network, with particular focus upon attentional, sensory, and perceptual functions in ageing and dementia and raising public awareness of them. Andrea also works in the areas of SMART and Assistive Technology for older adults and people living with a dementia

Dr Andy Bradshaw is a Research Fellow at the Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London. His current role is as Network Manager and Researcher on the EMPOWER Dementia Network. The EMPOWER Dementia Network+ is a national network committed to addressing inequalities in dementia care and research. This is through using co-production to engage and include underrepresented groups in dementia research, services, and policy. He is also project lead on the EMPOWER-related project ‘Bridging gaps in Dementia care: co-producing culturally appropriate solutions with South Asian communities’.

Rebecca Sims completed a PhD in the genetics of the behavioural symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease before undertaking a MSc in genetic epidemiology and bioinformatics. Rebecca was an Alzheimer’s Society junior fellow and is now a Senior Research Fellow, based within the Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience (DPMCN), Cardiff University (CU) and co-investigator in the UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI) at Cardiff. Rebecca is the UK lead of the Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative disease (JPND) funded European Alzheimer’s disease Biobank (EADB) that has culminated in the largest Genome Wide Association Study in Alzheimer’s to date. In addition, Rebecca is a Principal Investigator of the Brains for Dementia Research (BDR) project in Cardiff and is the lead of the Alzheimer’ Research UK Wales Network Centre.  

Laiba is a Research Associate at the University of West London, working on the EMPOWER Dementia Network+. She holds a BSc in Psychology with Professional Placement from University of Westminster and an MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences from University College London. Her research interests include co-production, and addressing inequalities in health and social care. She is committed to advancing inclusive practices that translate into meaningful impact for people living with dementia.

Ellie is a Creative Dementia Practitioner, Researcher and Consultant based in Plymouth (UK). Ellie is an expert in using creative practice to enable people with dementia and intergenerational groups to connect to themselves and others, fostering empathy, building belonging and challenging disconnection in our society. Ellie has 10 years experience of running Sensory Trust’s flagship dementia project Creative Spaces alongside her current role at The Photobook Project. Through her practice and research, sheis passionate about empowering the voices of people with dementia and showing what is still possible if the right frameworks, support and opportunities are created for individuals. Ellie’s research involves using creative methods - such as The Photobook Project - to empower people with dementia to share their perspectives and experiences. Ellie is currently undertaking a PhD at University of Hull with this focus, alongside her role as Programme Director for the MSc Dementia. She also consults on research projects related to dementia, intergenerational activity and older people.  To see Ellie’s full portfolio, please visit her website: www.ellierobinson-carter.com

I was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy in 2016, and given three years until I was in Care. I decided to live life, and as it happened found my niche in Co Production. My neurologist says all the hard work is keeping me out of Care; proper Co Research should be widely advertised as, not a cure, but certainly as a means of slowing down cognitive decline. Pre diagnosis I had worked in Care, so I have Lived Experience of that as well. In the 1990’s I was a Fraud Investigator, and undertook interviews under caution as seen on TV; without realising I was doing conversation analysis as one had to be able to read people’s body language. So our experience prior to dementia is just as important as that with it.

Dr. Ian Davies-Abbott is a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at Wrexham University. He has a professional background in mental health nursing, teaching, and research. His research predominantly employs qualitative methodologies, including Appreciative Inquiry, positioning theory, and semi-structured interviews. He is particularly interested in how language shapes socially accepted realities—both positive and negative—and how these realities can be challenged. His primary research focus is on the lived experiences of people living with dementia, with a commitment to amplifying the voices of seldom-heard groups.

Chelsea Richards is a Trainee Counselling Psychologist within the Older Adult Psychology department in the Memory Service and Community Mental Health Team. Having been part of the Older Adult Psychology team for over 5 years, I have been involved in the development, and delivery of projects which have improved the lives of our Older Adult community. At this conference, she will be discussing the design, development and evaluation of a course for individuals living with Mild Cognitive Impairment and their loved ones and the impact this has and continues to have. This course has recently obtained the Runner Up award, at the CTM Seren Awards, for the category of Research, Innovation and Improvement’

Laura Hook is a Trainee Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP) working within Older Adult Mental Health Services in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (NHS Wales). She received a BSc in Psychology from the University of Birmingham and a MSc in Clinical Applied Psychology from Cardiff University. Having worked across stroke, brain injury and dementia services, Laura is especially interested in supporting the psychological wellbeing of individuals following cognitive impairment.

Suzanne is a registered Mental Health Nurse with over 8 years nursing experience supporting older people and people living with dementia and their families.  Suzanne has spent much of her nursing career in Jersey (Channel Islands) where she has worked with the Rapid Response and Reablement team, involved in the setting up of a new over 65 service and working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Team Leader in the Memory Assessment Service.

Suzanne became an Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK in November 2024.  Suzanne is part of the Dementia UK and Nationwide Building Society clinic programme providing free dementia specialist clinics in branches across Wales and the UK.

Suzanne is passionate about dementia care and hopes to empower as many people with dementia and their carers as possible.

Sarah is a registered adult nurse- her nursing career having worked mainly in the acute setting, with one of her specialist roles having input into the community and clinics work.

Sarah has taken part in several areas of post registration study, developing an interest in frailty, advanced dementia and end of life care.

Setting up the Admiral Nurse Service at Leicester Hospitals prior to moving to Dementia UK in 2022, her latest role leading a team of Admiral Nurses to deliver face to face clinics across the Nationwide Building Society Network.

Sam Bolam is an independent Associate working with tide (Together in Dementia Everyday), with extensive experience in dementia care, advocacy, and service development. She has managed multiple advocacy projects for people living with dementia and previously served as CEO of two charities dedicated to supporting people with dementia and their carers. Sam brings a strong background in community engagement, leadership, and systems change. She is passionate about embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) into all aspects of her work, and is committed to ensuring that the voices of people with lived experience are central to shaping policy and practice. To find out more please go to S B Consultancy

Jen Roberts is a Research Officer at the Dementia Services Development Centre, Bangor University. Her research focuses on how to support people with dementia and their families to live as well as possible following the diagnosis. Her recent work has explored the experiences of people living with dementia in rural areas, and how they may be improved for others in the future. She has also been looking at how people living with dementia experience resilience, and how this may be supported after a diagnosis of dementia. Central to her work are co-production and ensuring that the voices of lived experience are heard. Jen works closely with the Caban group, who are a group of people affected by dementia that help guide research, teaching, creating useful resources.

Michelle Reshef-Ash is CEO of Dementia Prevention UK and a PhD researcher at UCL. She has over 15 years’ experience in public health and behavioural science, specialising in dementia prevention and health equity. Her work focuses on translating research into inclusive, community-based interventions and shaping policy nationally and internationally.

Chineze Ivenso is a Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist working at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, South Wales.  As Speciality Lead for Dementia and Neurodegeneration Health and Care Research Wales, she is involved in supporting the successful set-up and delivery of research studies across Wales.  Additionally, she serves as Academic Secretary for the Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry, Royal College of Psychiatrists and is passionate about understanding the impact of policy and public affairs strategies on mental health outcomes.

Angela Evans has worked in a research role for 17 years: starting as a Research Officer in Ysbyty Gwynedd, whilst undertaking a Master’s in Public Health an Health Promotion; then Clinical Studies Officer working with GP practices across Betsi Cadwaladr UHB; to research management for the past 7 years.

Currently working as a Research Manager for Health and Social Care at Health and Care Research Wales.  

Working within the Research Delivery Hub, Angela manages and streamlines the set-up of research studies across Wales, in a variety of disease specialties, including dementia, and in a number of settings, including secondary care, primary care and care homes.  

Angela strives to increase engagement and participation in studies across Wales, aiming to improve patient care through research studies and their findings.

Senior Team Lead Nurse, ABUHB.  

Abby Waters is an experienced registered nurse with over 12 years of expertise in delivering clinical research across diverse healthcare settings. Based within the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), Abby serves as the Clinical Lead for the Research Delivery Team,  including the Clinical Research Facility at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, as well as coordinating research activity across the Health Board.

ABUHB has prioritized Dementia and Neurodegeneration research, with a strategic focus on enhancing diagnostic capabilities, streamlining patient pathways, and expanding access to timely treatment through clinical trials. Abby is a passionate advocate for research-driven care and supporting patients to access research opportunities.

I have been working as an occupational therapist since 2011. My current role is with the Denbighshire older persons mental health team to provide assessment and intervention within the community for people experiencing memory issues and dementia. I have always had a keen interest in research, participating in research projects both as a student and qualified occupational therapist. I completed my MSc in Dementia studies with Bangor university in 2024.

Dr Juliet Gillam is a Research Associate at the Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory. She is working on the Family Interventions in Dementia Mental Health Environments (FIND ME) study alongside Professor Emma Wolverson and Dr Rosie Dunn. The study aims to understand carer experiences and involvement when people living with dementia are admitted to a mental health ward. It will explore ward staff responses to carers and work to ensure carers are appropriately supported and involved in the care of the person with dementia, to improve patient outcomes.

Prior to joining the Gellar Institute, Juliet completed her PhD at King’s College London. Her research focused on the implementation of an eHealth intervention delivered via an app in residential care homes. The intervention aimed to improve the comprehensive assessment of residents with dementia and facilitate shared decision making between the individual, their carers and health and social care professionals

Efan Fairclough I am a fifth-year medical student at Cardiff University with a keen interest in geriatrics and neurocognitive disorders. For my Year 4 SSC, I undertook a project titled “Investigating the Impact of Anticholinergic Medications on a Memory Clinic Population,” during which I observed memory clinics and geriatrics wards while conducting research. I am particularly passionate about neurodegenerative diseases and am eager to gain further experience in both research and clinical settings, as I find this work deeply fulfilling. Outside of medicine, I serve as Team Leader for Street Doctors in Cardiff, a charity teaching first aid to young people at high risk of violence, and I am a fluent Welsh speaker.

She is a dedicated nursing leader with over a decade of experience in Mental Health Nursing, spanning both hospital and community settings. As Lead Nurse for the Older Adult Mental Health Directorate within Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, she holds strategic and professional responsibility for the nursing workforce across Bridgend, Merthyr Cynon, and Rhondda Taf Ely.

Driven by a deep commitment to compassionate care and authentic leadership, she is a passionate advocate for the advancement of mental health services and the empowerment of the nursing profession. Her leadership style is rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in both patient and staff experience.

Sophie is a proud graduate of the prestigious Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarship programme, where she further honed her leadership capabilities and strengthened her resolve to influence meaningful change within the sector.

Phil Joddrell is a Research Fellow at Dementia UK, and also at the University of Sheffield in the Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare (CATCH). Phil has over 15 years’ experience working with people living with dementia in both clinical and research environments. His research interests include how people living with dementia use everyday technology, and the experiences of people living alone with dementia.

Siobhan Lewis is a consultant geriatrician at Cardiff and Vale UHB who spends her days in the emergency and acute medical units supporting frail older patients through their journey in urgent care. She is co-Clinical Director for Clinical Gerontology at Cardiff and Vale and the lead for Frailty in Urgent Care. 

She is the National Clinical Lead for Frailty for the Welsh Six Goals for Urgent and Emergency Care Programme. Her interests include developing hospital systems for frail older people and preventing hospital acquired deconditioning. Through this role she has co-developed the Front Door Acute Frailty Service for Acute Hospitals Framework for Wales and is the chair of the All Wales Preventing Deconditioning Board. She is actively involved in supporting hospitals in Wales to focus on minimising avoidable harm as a tool for improved patient flow.

Assistant Director and national lead for goals 4 and 5

6 goals for Urgent and Emergency Care Programme

NHS Wales Performance and Improvement

Rachel has been a registered nurse for 30 years.  After finishing her training in Cardiff, she commenced her career at the intensive care unit at UHW, before going on work within cardiology research and heart failure.  Rachel then spent 12 years working in the Emergency Department at the Royal Gwent Hospital before spending time as a medical senior nurse.  Rachel then moved into operational management and transformation and worked in both Cardiff and Vale UHB and Aneurin Bevan UHB.  In 2020 Rachel became the national South Wales major trauma network manager and also supported the COVID response by working in Morriston Hospital,the field hospital in Cardiff and then supporting  the national COVID vaccination role out.  In 2022, Rachel obtained her current post as Assistant Director within the national strategic programme for Urgent and Emergency Care , which now sits within NHS Wales, Performance and Improvement. Her focus is on leading goals 4 and 5, which includes Emergency Care and Hospital Flow.

During the last 2 years, Rachel has led the development and implementation of the optimal hospital patient flow framework and is focusing on the prevention of deconditioning for patients within our hospitals across Wales.