Deafness and Dementia in the spotlight at national conference

Pioneering research funded by a Cheshire-based charity, has been put into focus at a national conference.

Deafness Support Network have been working alongside University of Manchester, to create guidelines of how to best assess patients both with a hearing loss and a memory loss for the past two years.

At the British Academy of Audiology’s (BAA) Annual Conference, research lead Dr Jenna Littlejohn and DSN’s Gill Reeder set up a dementia friendly clinic with a series of topical tips and instructions to help guide industry leaders at the two day event at the ACC in Liverpool.

“The BAA is the biggest event of the year for audiology and our chance to really make an impact and a difference in the industry. Our research shows gaps in the knowledge an understanding of audiology professionals in terms of hearing assessments for people with memory loss and dementia. We want to ensure clinics are set up to suit the needs of this group and our example shows how important even just small touch points are in getting that assessment correct from the start.”

Dr Jenna Littlejohn

Amongst the display, were memory boxes – a collection of items used to create sensory stimulation and therefore memories for people with dementia – which included those created by Chester Race Company and Bentley. They are used at DSN’s memory cafes, You, Me and Tea which are held across Cheshire throughout the year.

Executive Operations, Gill Reeder said: “We are truly passionate about making the lives of people with a hearing loss better – from birth all the way through to older age. Dementia is a growing concern in society and our initiatives and research are just some ways in which we are addressing a very important issue when it comes to both clinical assessment and community care.”