Redefining Dementia Prevention: DEMCOMM Fellows Lead Innovative Community Week for Brain Health
Redefining Dementia Prevention: DEMCOMM Fellows Lead Innovative Community Week for Brain Health
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To mark Dementia Action Week 2025, our Dementia Community Research and Engagement (DEMCOMM) Fellows hosted a five-day series of community workshops from 19–23 May, offering over 250 participants, including people living with dementia, carers, and community members, practical tools for maintaining and improving brain health.
Under the theme “Redefining Prevention: Five Days, Five Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy,” the week-long initiative was inspired by the globally recognised FINGER model and explored five key pillars of brain health: social engagement, mental stimulation, physical activity, healthy eating, and health checks.
Each day spotlighted one of these pillars through hands-on, inclusive events across West and Central London:
Day 1 welcomed attendees to Fulham Pier for Afternoon Tea, where music, conversation, and shared stories created a relaxed setting to highlight the power of social connection. Applied healthcare researcher Pallavi shared lessons from her community-based co-designed project and encouraged attendees to participate in dementia research.
Day 2 brought residents an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) session at Anchor-Norton Care Home. Delivered in partnership with KIDWISE, the VR experiences—ranging from serene nature walks to art exhibitions—stimulated memory and sparked conversation. While reactions varied, the sessions opened critical dialogue on using VR in dementia care.
Day 3 featured Chair-Based Yoga at London Care, Westbourne Park Road. Led by certified yoga instructor and DEMCOMM Fellow Sujin, the sessions combined gentle movement with mindfulness practices. Participants reported feeling calmer and more energised. Following positive feedback, Sujin has been invited to continue offering monthly volunteer-led sessions at the care home, where she already engages monthly with a community group.
Day 4 focused on Healthy Eating at Loveday Kensington. Nutrition expert Roxanna Korologou-Linden facilitated a workshop with NHS dietitian Allison Smith, who joined virtually to share practical guidance. Attendees participated in interactive discussions and food tastings, covering topics from hydration to common food myths.
Day 5 concluded the week in a Community Information Fair at Kensington Town Hall, bringing together more than 30 organisations, including Age UK, Royal Trinity Hospice, Admiral Nurses, and local care providers. Attendees were offered blood pressure checks, explored support services, and reflected on their connections to the Five Finger Model using hand-shaped paper prompts.
Throughout the week, DEMCOMM Fellows organised events and shared their research, personal stories, and commitment to co-creating dementia care with those most affected. The emphasis was on small, sustainable changes to everyday routines that promote long-term brain health.
Looking ahead, the Fellows aim to embed the learning and feedback from the week into ongoing projects, strengthening collaborations across health services, academia, and the community. Building on the strong interest in future sessions, the team is exploring additional opportunities for engagement focused on what resonated most: movement, mindfulness, connection, and nutrition.
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