On Wednesday 8 December, the Living Well with Dementia theme at NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) hosted a community of practice for commissioners and service providers to share the key findings from an extensive evidence synthesis, and exploring implications for patient care pathways involving alcohol, Dementia and Alcohol related Brain Disease (ARBD).
Chaired by Rebecca Atkinson, Research Fellow, ARC KSS, Living Well with Dementia, the event attracted 170 people.
Dr Vijay Delaffon, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director at Kent and Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT), presented the findings and key messages from an extensive evidence synthesis, looking at prevalence, challenges and future directions for dementia and alcohol, and alcohol related brain damage (ARBD), as part of an ARC KSS-funded PhD at the University of Kent
Philippa Case, Research Team Leader at KMPT and a Medical Research Council doctoral student at University College London (UCL), discussed alcohol interventions for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD).
Professor Heather Gage, ARC KSS Theme Lead for Health & Social Care Economics and Director of Surrey Health Economics Centre at the University of Surrey talked about cognitive impairment and alcohol misuse in the homeless population.
And, Professor Rafey Faruqui, Neuropsychiatrist at KMPT and Honorary Professor at the Centre of Health Service Studies (CHSS) at the University of Kent, concluded the presentations by talking about what service response is needed.
The event finished with an interactive open discussion with the audience and panel on the implications of the evidence for practice and the ways services can better meet the needs of this population.
We will share key messages, slides and content from this event in early January, if you would like to register interest in receiving this when released, please sign up here.
