Researcher set to join specialist dementia study team at Leeds Beckett University

Dr Laura Booi will join Leeds Beckett's Centre for Dementia Research next month from her current post at Newcastle University.

Dr Booi is a social gerontologist (the scientific study of old age, the process of ageing and the particular problems of old people) whose research focuses on issues related to dementia, brain health and equity.

She is co-founder of the World Young Leaders in Dementia and is leading efforts to build inclusive communities through co-producing research with people living with dementia and developing social entrepreneurial ventures to connect and support dementia-focused leaders.

Her work brings together international dementia advocacy and patient-public-involvement, engaging both the next generation of dementia-focused leaders as well as marginalised, often unheard voices affected by dementia.

As part of her role she wants to reduce the negative associations and impacts surrounding dementia and make it something that is viewed as a form of diversity.

Of her move to Leeds, Dr Booi said: "I’m delighted to be joining the Centre for Dementia Research and the team there.

“As a society, I believe we can reduce the negative impact associated with dementia by embracing cognitive diversity through environmental, policy, legal, advocacy and educational endeavours. We can highlight the importance of those with the lived experience of dementia as the true dementia experts.”

Prof Claire Surr, Director of the Centre for Dementia Research, added: “We are pleased to welcome Dr Booi to the team and look forward to working with her.

“Dementia is a national and international health priority and the number of people living with dementia is set to increase as the population ages.

“The Centre for Dementia Research supports the advancement of applied dementia research leading to improvements in the lives of people living with dementia and those providing care and support to them.

“Dr Booi brings expertise to our team that will enhance our work to engage and collaborate with people affected by dementia from across all communities.”

Research at the Leeds Beckett Centre for Dementia is funded by organisations including the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Department of Health, Alzheimer’s Society and Abbeyfield Foundation and falls under four theme areas: The care and support needs of those with both dementia and cancer; Dementia education and training; Delivery and improvement of dementia care in care settings such as care homes, hospitals and memory services; Psychosocial interventions and service development.

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