Impact Review 2025/26: Dementia HIT

 Welcoming a new co-director

The HIT appointed Dr Sam Creavin as a new co-director. Sam brings expertise in dementia research, with a focus on diagnostic accuracy, health inequalities and service delivery. He is committed to translating research into practice, building partnerships across academia, the NHS and the voluntary sector, and engaging with diverse communities and people with lived experience.

Supporting diverse groups of people with dementia

The HIT aims to ensure that people living with dementia are supported in ways that recognise and address all protected characteristics. Following consultation, three priority areas were identified and dedicated subgroups established to identify gaps and share learning:

• Learning disability and dementia: supporting the development of clinician training on dementia diagnosis for people with a learning disability, and exploring barriers to timely diagnosis.
• End-of-life care for people with dementia: the HIT hosted a learning and networking event in March 2026, including continuing professional development opportunities. The HIT worked with the newly established End of Life Matters HIT to shape the programme.
• Dementia in prisons: mapping current support for people living with dementia in the prison population and identifying gaps in provision.

Amplifying Let’s Talk Dementia

The HIT supported the Let’s Talk Dementia free public information events in 2025 and 2026. Hosted by BRACE Alzheimer’s Research, the events provide accessible dementia information in a friendly, informal setting and bring together experts from across the South West, including health, care, research and legal professionals.

Promoting intergenerational dementia activities

In January 2026, co-director Isobel Jones, CEO of Alive Activities, appeared on ITV’s This Morning with presenter Josie Gibson to highlight intergenerational activity sessions such as the Lullaby Circle, which connects care home residents with children. Watch a clip.