(Picture above left to right Megan Polden, Dr Clarissa Giebel, Debbie Abrahams MP, Hillary Tetlow.)

ARC NWC Senior Research Fellow Dr Clarissa Giebel led the Liverpool Dementia Research Group event attended by University of Liverpool alumna and former public health researcher, Debbie Abrahams MP, which highlighted how the group works to tackle dementia.

As Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dementia, Debbie was invited to the Liverpool Dementia Research Group where she met academics as well as those who have lived and professional experiences of the condition. 

Dr Clarissa Giebel introduced her work investigating health inequalities in dementia and gave a platform for other spokespeople from her Dementia Research Group to present. 

ARC NWC and Alzheimer’s Society funded postdoctoral researcher Dr Megan Polden talked about her current research into music and dementia.  

Hilary Tetlow, a Public Adviser at ARC NWC and a member of the Dementia Group, also talked about her lived experience of the disease and subsequent work to help local communities with Dr Giebel. 

Debbie was the final speaker, explaining her role in the APPG. The cross-party group is made up of MPs and Peers with an interest in dementia and together they lead inquiries – which can be seen here. 

She remarked that it was great how Dr Giebel and her team were combining her two passions: inequalities and dementia. Debbie talked about how her first degree in biochemistry had helped understand and appreciate the work being undertaken to, for example, identify biomarkers for dementia screening. But significantly it was her experience of caring for her mum following her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s Disease that was most important in the work that’s being undertaken, for example, on developing personalised care for people living with dementia. 

Dr Clarissa Giebel said: “More than 900,000 people are living with dementia in the UK, with numbers expected to reach 1 million by 2024. So, we were honoured to welcome Debbie in Liverpool and give her an insight into the work we’re doing to tackle the inequalities people face both pre and post a dementia diagnosis. It was fantastic to hear more about Debbie’s work and I hope we can continue our conversations with her and collaborate on this issue that affects so many people.” 

Debbie Abrahams MP said: “We know that dementia is now the leading cause of death ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke, and is also a major cause of disability later in life. It’s a global public health concern, which not only affects the person living with the condition, but their family members and friends. In my role as Co-Chair it’s vital for me to meet the people who are using their knowledge and expertise to tackle this issue. 

“I was fascinated to get an insight into the range of studies that are happening in Liverpool and hear the voices of those who have lived experience. There is much work to be done to address inequalities and I will certainly be taking my discussions back with me to the APPG.”