Valeria Lembo is a PhD researcher at the University of Edinburgh who is undertaking ‘The Pandemic, Art and Dementia Project’

This research project aims to better understand the lived experience of people affected by dementia in the UK and the role of art and leisure activities in their lives, especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Due to current public health measures, the research will be completely carried out online.

The project will study the role of engaging in arts, crafts and leisure activities, particularly looking at online activities and/or the use of online resources related to leisure and arts (i.e. music, dance, storytelling, crafts and so on).

The project aims to better understand the potential and limitations of online-based activities and resources, not only during the pandemic but also beyond its unfolding.

The research will also investigate the impact of the pandemic on art and leisure activities for people affected by dementia, by including the multiple perspectives of people affected by dementia as well as those of organisers, volunteers and facilitators.

Do you want to get involved? If you are a person living with dementia or a family member, friend or carer of someone living with dementia; or if you are an organiser, artist or facilitator involved in dementia-friendly and dementia-inclusive activities you might be able to join. You will need to be living in the UK and have capacity to consent. You will also need a good Internet connection.

To find out more, download the Participant Information Sheet here. Please read it carefully and take your time to decide. If you would like to get involved or simply ask questions and get more info, email Valeria here