From October 2025, the University of Sheffield will coordinate the new BRIDGES for Dementia Network Plus, an ESRC-funded initiative that will unite researchers, innovators, charities and local authorities to create technologies that let people with dementia live life on their own terms.
Within the initiative, there will be four innovation themes:
- Indoor and outdoor spaces - adapting homes, neighbourhoods and public places for cognitive accessibility
- Arts, sports and culture - using creative, multi-sensory experiences to boost emotional, social and physical wellbeing
- In person and online communication - developing intuitive ways to stay connected
- Digital technology development and translation - ensuring new tools reach real-world settings quickly
The network will be led by Dr Jennifer MacRitchie, Senior Research Fellow in Music, from the University of Sheffield's School of Languages, Arts and Societies. Meanwhile Dr Christian Morgner, Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Creative Industries at Sheffield University Management School, will lead the work package that surrounding arts, sports and culture that blends creative practice with cutting edge technology.
The core innovation is the Creative Multi-Sensory Independence Support Framework which looks beyond single activities and focuses on combining arts, sports and cultural experiences to stimulate cognitive, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. By integrating these activities with technologies, such as AI-personalised music platforms, virtual-reality galleries and interactive exercise apps, the project aims to support people with dementia in maintaining their independence for as long as possible.
From the earliest stages of designing these interventions, Dr Morgner and the research team have actively involved people living with dementia and their families in co-creation workshops, testing sessions and feedback loops. Their firsthand perspectives ensure the technologies developed through the project align with real-world needs rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Looking ahead, Dr Morgner expects the research to redefine community and clinical practice.
We believe these multi-sensory, technology-enabled interventions represent a new frontier in dementia care - one that provides immediate support and transforms how communities and healthcare systems approach cognitive and emotional wellbeing.”
Dr Christian Morgner
Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Creative Industries, Sheffield University Management School
Partners on the project include:
- Innovations in Dementia
- Dementia UK
- The Lewy Body Society
- Sheffield City Council
- Kent County Couil
- Bettering Our Worlds (BOW)