BU Research Blog

Working with the research Development Officer, Dr Rebecca Edwards, members of the BUDI team hosted a stand at this recent public engagement event (see Figure 1). The objective was to showcase the range of community activities we have been doing with people who have dementia and also to give a flavour of the type of research that we undertake. The BUDI team used this opportunity to let people know about the Dementia Friendly Tourism project, and the Bournemouth Council Technology Club and Cupcake Club projects. Participants explored with the team how equipment such as IPADs, Wii controls and Nintendo could be used in a fun and educational way with people who have dementia. They were able to demonstrate the value of experiential work in the simple act of decorating a cupcake (see Figure 2). Many were surprised at the type of work we were doing with people who have dementia, reminding us of the need for more public engagement and how important it is to work towards an inclusive model of a dementia friendly community. The team also highlighted some of the issues raised with tourism providers and people who have dementia in terms of providing accessible tourism in Dorset. There is no doubt that some of those attending this event had the opportunity to reflect on common perceptions of dementia and in the process create a challenge to some negative views of what living well with dementia might mean. Our hope is that public engagement work such as this provides a forum for reflection on popular understandings about dementia and also to provide an opportunity to share work being carried out at the BU Dementia Institute.