The ADI 2026 conference took place from 14-16 April 2026 in Lyon, France. The conference programme was shaped around the 7 areas of the WHO’s Global action plan on dementia.
Dr Clare Hammerton (SPIN-Dementia Network Plus) and Amy Connelly (CONSOLIDATE NetworkPlus) presented, ‘Co production and Involvement Approaches across the Eight UK Dementia Networks: Shared Insights, Challenges, and Lessons Learned.’ Co-authors: Emma Wolverson Jennifer MacRitchie Henry Collingham Andy Bradshaw Sophie Horrocks Debra Gingell Laura Lebec Amy Connelly Caroline Swarbrick.
This poster presentation shares reflections and practical insights from across the eight UK Dementia Networks, focusing on co production approaches that meaningfully involve people living with dementia, carers, and diverse communities.
Four Networks were launched in 2024. These networks are EMPOWER Dementia Network+; Equadem Network Plus; SPIN-Dementia Network Plus; and Working With Dementia Network Plus– they focus on empowerment, equity, prevention, and employment in the context of dementia.
In 2025, a further four Networks were launched. These networks are BRIDGES for Dementia Network+, CONSOLIDATE NetworkPlus, TEDI Network, and ZeDTech Network – focusing on inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable technology solutions for dementia care that support people to live more independently with dementia.
Since the Networks launched in 2024/2025, Co production and Involvement Leads and Programme Managers have worked collaboratively to develop inclusive and sustainable national networks, while navigating the complexities of governance, funding, and international connectivity.
The poster distils shared learning across key areas, including:
👉 governance and leadership structures
👉 resourcing and budget allocation for involvement
👉 research commissioning and authorship
👉 involvement of people with advanced dementia
👉 engagement with under represented communities
👉 inclusive and flexible approaches to participation.
The insights reflect experiences from Networks focused on empowerment, equity, prevention, employment, and inclusive technological solutions for dementia, supported by investment from NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research), Alzheimer’s Society, ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council, and EPSRC.
Chris Fox: inflammatory conditions and brain health review linked to NIHR INFLAIM and ESRC SPIN-D Network Plus projects.
Jennifer Roberts pictured at hashtag#ADI2026 alongside the co-authored poster, ‘What are the cultural barriers to engaging in dementia risk reduction strategies?’. Co-authors: Bethan N., Georgina Charlesworth, Gill Windle.
Shirley Evans pictured at hashtag in front of ‘Innovating for Dementia Risk Reduction and Societal Impact: the SPIN-Dementia Network+ Experience’ poster. Co-authors are Emily Paremain, Georgina Charlesworth Debra Gingell Chris Fox Martin Orrell Jurgen Grotz Martin Robertson Bettina Wallace Rachael Litherland Louise Allan Fiona Poland.
Pictured in front of their 8 Dementia Networks poster at Alzheimer’s Disease International are (L-R): Chris Fox (SPIN-D co-lead), Jennifer Roberts (EMPOWER Dementia Network +), Dr Clare Hammerton (SPIN-D), Georgina Charlesworth (SPIN-D co-lead), Professor Dame Louise Robinson (Equadem Network Plus), Sarah Daniels (ZeDTech Network) and Shirley Evans (SPIN-D).
Poster title:
From Participation to Leadership: Achieving Meaningful Involvement of People Living with Dementia and Carers in Engagement, Funding, and Research through a UK Dementia Network (SPIN D). Co-authors: Dr Clare Hammerton MARTIN ROBERTSON Bettina Wallace Debra Gingell (SPIN-D) @Diane Burbidge (CHINESE WELLBEING) Ruth Eley (tide (together in dementia everyday) Rachael Litherland (INNOVATIONS IN DEMENTIA COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY) Emily Paremain.
Learn more
SPIN-D Network Plus – join the network and mailing list
https://spindementianet.org/join-our-network/
spindementianet.org 