Research: Recovering hope after a diagnosis with dementia

<p><br></p><p>This week we hear from NSFT Research about a new study, DiSCOVERY, which will look at how NHS mental health Recovery Colleges may help to support people with dementia through co-designed and co-run courses. The study co-leads Professor Chris Fox and Juniper West explain the concept of ‘recovery’ for those with a diagnosis of dementia. Chris Fox discusses a wide range of dementia research that has led to the realisation of how important keeping connected is when living with dementia.</p><br><p>Did you know people who are socially isolated have a different MRI scan to those who are socially connected? Find out how increased social connections may be more powerful than many drugs that are currently being developed for dementia. Chris ponders what recovery is after a dementia diagnosis? What is personal recovery and how is it different from medical recovery? Juni explores more about Recovery Colleges, what research has led to their interest in the benefits of courses that are co-designed and co-run by peer supporters. Juni makes the link between person-centred care in dementia and the recovery CHIME framework. CHIME emphasises how important hope is to those living with dementia, something that this new study is full of for the future of those living with dementia.</p><br><p>DISCOVERY is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).</p><br><p>The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is the nation's largest funder of health and care research. The NIHR:</p><ul><li>Funds, supports and delivers high quality research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care</li><li>Engages and involves patients, carers and the public in order to improve the reach, quality and impact of research</li><li>Attracts, trains and supports the best researchers to tackle the complex health and care challenges of the future</li><li>Invests in world-class infrastructure and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services</li><li>Partners with other public fu