iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

@kategridley.bsky.social shared DETERMIND findings at a webinar last week on navigating social care after a dementia diagnosis. A key theme was "navigation capital", how social networks and knowledge can shape access to support. Learn more about the Care Confidence tool: www.careconfidence.org.uk

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

June is Pride month! This annual celebration honours LGBTQIA+ identity, history and the fight for equality. Sending love to all our LGBTQIA+ community members, we stand with you always.🌈🫶 #Pridemonth #celebration #LGBTQIA+ #solidarity #inclusion #equality #diversity #Pride2026 #illustration

Digital illustration of a mole wearing glasses, an orange jumper and holding a Pride flag. The text reads Happy Pride Month!

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Introducing our newest Research Assistant, Anushka! 😊🎉 With a background in cognitive neuroscience and sociology, she is passionate about making dementia research more inclusive and amplifying frequently overlooked voices. Outside of work, she loves music and watching Anthony Bourdain shows!

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Trans+ History Week has us thinking about whose voices we actually hear in research; and who’s still missing. Research only works if it reflects real lived experiences. And that means making space for voices that need to be heard and understood. 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵 #TransHistoryWeek #LGBTQIA #DementiaResearch

The Transgender flag; A heart shaped object with blue and pink stripes - reading 'learn and celebrate the momentous and millennia-old history'

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Ben was invited to present at Alzheimer’s Disease International in Lyon, sharing DETERMIND findings on the 2-year benefits of early vs late dementia diagnosis for people with dementia and carers. Well received with great discussion. Publications coming soon! #ADI2026 #EarlyDiagnosis #TimelyDiagnosis

A man stands at the front of a conference room delivering a presentation to an audience seated in rows. A large screen behind him displays slides.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Yesterday our Nottingham team presented at RDAN’s (rdan.org.uk) Annual General Meeting 🎉 We shared our Seldom Heard Voices study, learnt about RDAN’s work, and connected with local organisations supporting people with dementia and their families. Learn more here: determind.org.uk/seldom-heard...

Three women standing and smiling in front of a Rushcliffe Dementia Network Action board

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Today we joined Eastbourne Rainbow at Age Concern Eastbourne to share our DETERMIND Seldom Heard Voices study. Thanks for the warm welcome and great conversations! 🌈 Learn more or get involved: determind.org.uk/seldom-heard... #DementiaResearcg #LGBTQIA #SeldomHeardVoices

A picture of all hand holding up a DETERMIND Study flyer, in front of the Age Concern Eastbourne building.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

On behalf of DETERMIND, we want to wish a Happy Eid to all who celebrate!

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Are you from an underserved ethnic or religious community and have you or someone you know recently received a dementia diagnosis? Join our study aiming to understand how we can address inequalities, improve care and wellbeing, following a dementia diagnosis! Find out more: lnkd.in/ee8VEf-5

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

🏳️‍🌈 We're recruiting the largest UK cohort of LGBTQIA+ people living with dementia! 🏳️‍🌈 In interviews about quality of life, service use and memory, we will: 🌈 Amplify LGBTQIA+ voices 🌈 Identify priorities for improving care 🌈 Address inequities Please do get in touch if the study is of interest!

A leaflet for recruiting LGBTQIA+ people living with dementia to a research study. The leaflet reads:

LGBTQIA+ and affected by Dementia?
We want to hear from you.
The DETERMIND study is creating the UK's largest research group of LGBTQIA+ people living with dementia, to help shape more inclusive dementia care.
Your experiences can help improve understanding and support for other LGBTQIA+ people affected by dementia.
To learn more or get involved, contact us at:
ben.hicks@nottingham.ac.uk or mobile 07881915776.

The second side of the leaflet, which reads:
Who can participate?
Anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and has received a diagnosis of any dementia and any member of your chosen family.
What will it involve?
A friendly chat with one of our research team about your experiences of dementia, your views on the services you may use and your general sense of well-being and life quality.
The discussion can take place at your home or remotely and should last no longer than 90 minutes.
A friend or member of your chosen family can be present during the visit and can also take part if they wish.
How can I find our more?
Learn more about the study at www.determind.org.uk
Contact Dr Ben Hicks for more information on the study and register your interest: ben.hicks@nottingham.ac.uk or mobile 07881915776.
Use your voice to help shape a more inclusive future for UK dementia care and leave a positive legacy for future generations of LGBTQIA+ people living with dementia.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Some photos from our LGBTQ+ and dementia engagement event last Wednesday! It was great to present on research approaches from the DETERMIND study's perspective. Thank you to @spindnetworkplus.bsky.social for giving us the platform, and for bringing the community together to make change possible!

Nine people stood to take a group picture. Two of the group are kneeling in front. They are all looking towards the photographer. They are standing in a warm, brightly lit room with a presentation slide projected behind them. The presentation slide reads 'Spotlight on LGBTQIA+ and dementia' with an inclusive rainbow flag picture.

A room full of people watching somebody present at the front. The presenter is holding a microphone and smiling. She is one of the DETERMIND team and is wearing a dark top and light cardigan and trousers. The slide she is presenting describes the DETERMIND study so far and has an illustration of a countryside bridge with a green pathway, as well as a photograph of two warm cups of tea.

A room full of people watching somebody present at the front. The presenter is holding a microphone. He is John Hammond, presenting his research on the voices of LGB DETERMIND participants. There is a table with his findings highlighting the challenges of identity disclosure to services, the importance of resilience and chosen families, as well as people's concern over the absence of specific support for future care needs.

A room full of people watching somebody present at the front. The presenter is holding a microphone and looking out into the crowd. They are a member of the DETERMIND team. They have tattoos on their arms and glasses on. They are wearing a dark top and trousers. The slide they are presenting is called 'DETERMIND: a person-centered approach'. It has an illustration of Brighton pier, with a green pathway running up to the arcade. There is also an illustration of an hourglass. The slide says that DETERMIND takes a person-centered approach as it has increased the recruitment timeline to allow anyone to join at any point after a diagnosis. The study also engaged with the community to share the study opportunity and resources. It also offers flexible visit times to fit in around schedules.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

#AromanticSpectrumAwarenessWeek highlights people who identify on the aromantic spectrum. In dementia care, assumptions about partners and family can mean important friendships and chosen family are overlooked. This week reminds us to recognise different ways people build meaningful relationships. 💚

Aromantic Spectrum flag, green colours at the top, white in the middle and black at the bottom

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Introducing Research Assistant, Kat! Kat works on the DETERMIND project at the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, having previously worked in Children and Adolescent mental health services. She holds a Psychology MSc and has a strong professional and personal interest in dementia.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

If you have current or recent caring experience for someone living with dementia, email luce.stewart@kcl.ac.uk! We are recruiting people with dementia, or carers of people with dementia who identify as from religious and/or ethnic minority backgrounds or those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Save the date!✨ We are delighted to have teamed up with @spindnetworkplus.bsky.social, Innovations in Dementia, and tide (together in dementia everyday) to bring you this exciting event focusing on LGBTQIA+ and dementia. Register and find out more: spindementianet.org/spotlight-on...

Flyer for an event. The text reads 'Spotlight on LGBTQIA+ and
dementia: Exploring brain health and addressing inequities
Inviting people with all levels of knowledge and interest
including researchers, funders, people with dementia and
carers, co-ordinators, managers, and providers.
Wed 25th Feb 2026
10:30am to 4:30pm
In-person event
Supported attendance
Accessible London venue
Sharing research, practice gaps, and knowledge
Sharing lived experiences
Finding resources
Identifying actions and impact
Building networks & collaborations
Learn, Share, Discuss
Limited numbers. Please register interest by scanning the QR code or visit https://spindementianet.org/spotlight-on-lgbtqia/
Questions? Email: spindnetworkplus@live.ac.uk.
In the top right hand corner of the flyer is the Progressive Pride Flag. At the bottom of the flyer are the Spin Dementia Network +, tide, innovations in dementia, DETERMIND, URKI, NIHR, University of Exeter, UCL and Alzheimer's Society logos.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Meet Corbyn! Corbyn is a very friendly cockatiel and the official mascot of the SLaM Brain Health Clinic, a memory clinic using biomarkers to help people with mild cognitive impairment. We're very lucky to share an office with the BHC team at our London site! #BrainHealth #Dementia #SLaM

Two people sitting at their office chairs, both smiling and laughing. One has their arm outstretched with a cockatiel sat on their wrist. The cockatiel has a grey body and wings, with a yellow head and bright orange circle on his cheek.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Introducing new Research Assistant, Jessie! Welcome to the team! Jessie has a strong interest in LGBTQ+ experiences of dementia and will be supporting the ‘Seldom Heard Voices’ project, helping to better understand the experiences of underrepresented groups following a dementia diagnosis.

A selfie of Jessie, a new Research Assistant for the DETERMIND project. She is wearing a white t shirt and silver jewelry and glasses on top of her head. The room in the background looks homely with plants in one corner and a globe on top of a wooden cabinet in the other.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

What do our participants think of DETERMIND? At our recent conference, we gathered feedback and generated new ideas for future involvement! #dementiaresearch

A group of six large sheets of paper with feedback from study participants. At the base of each sheet are illustrations of pathways across the study sites, including London, Brighton Beach and rural fields.

A researcher presenting in front of a bright green slide titled 'Discussion time'. She is asking for feedback from study participants and looking out towards the crowd.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Did you know that people living with dementia are more likely to report inadequate support from care services if: Their carer is younger, they have more functional limitations, live in a rural area or have mixed dementia compared to Alzheimer’s disease? More info from our conference coming soon!

A screen at a conference displaying a table titled 'costs of health and social care services (per year). There are two people looking at it in the foreground of the photo.

A group of people sat at chairs in staggered seating listening to a talk at a conference. They are facing side-on to the camera.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

The DETERMIND participant conference took place last week in London! It was great to bring together study participants, staff and analysts to share findings and plans for future. Topics discussed included self-funding of care, service use inequalities, decision making and diagnosis timing. #research

A group photo taken at the DETERMIND participant conference. There are thirty people in a lecture theatre with carpeted floors, green walls and light wooden desks. The front two rows are sitting and the back row standing. They are all smiling and laughing, looking at the camera.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Our London research team travel each week to interview people living with dementia and their supporters across local boroughs. If we're a bit early, we take a break to wander around the area and take some photos. We hope you can take a little break today too and enjoy these sights as much as we did!

Croydon's skyline on a bright and clear summer's day. The sky is a bright blue and sits above a green park with trees around the edge. There is a modern tall building on the skyline.

Anerley's green man sign, showing a man with green facial features and skin made of oak leaves.

A Dulwich woodland clearing in the early morning light. There is a tree stump in the clearing, surrounded by hundreds of green leaves in bushes below and trees above.

A tram on its way to Wimbledon, pulling into the tram stop. The tram is mostly bright green, with a stripe of blue at its base.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Ben Hicks presented findings from the DETERMIND study at @alzheimereurope.bsky.social conference in Bologna. This work looked at whether an early diagnosis of dementia is better for quality of life in people living with dementia and their carers after one year post diagnosis. #35AEC

A man in a shirt is standing at a podium talking into a microphone to an audience who appear to be listening intently. A PowerPoint slide on a projector screen is party visible. There is an illustration of a sand timer and a brain and the text reads 'Temporal: Time between noticing symptoms and diagnosis (early diagnosis <2 years). Cognitive severity: CDR<1, sMMSE≥ 20)'.

A man in a shirt is standing at a podium in a lecture theatre talking to an audience. They have a slide on a projector screen with the heading '....Emergence of 'Timely' discourse'. Underneath the heading there are three bullet points reading 'Lack of evidence has led to the emergence of the 'timely' discourse.', 'Timely is a more person-centred, subjective approach to diagnosis. Diagnosis delivered when best for the person and family. If diagnosis unwanted then no diagnosis is considered 'timely'.', 'Emerging but weak evidence (Woods et al 2018) suggests this may be beneficial for both person with dementia and carer. Carers report 3-4 years post-diagnosis.'

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

A great day at the Nottingham Centre for Dementia Showcase which focused on ‘Rethinking dementia: collaboration, co-design and change’. A great mix of presenters and an interesting table discussion! Alice presented work from her PhD on ‘addressing dementia diagnosis inequalities’.

A photo taken from the perspective of someone attending a conference. There is a laptop set up in front of the camera, with the title slide 'Addressing dementia diagnosis inequalities' on its screen. It sits on a glossy wooden table, which also has a booklet for the conference sitting next to the laptop. In the background is a large presentation screen with a slide suggesting questions for a roundtable discussion.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Happy #InternationalDayOfOlderPersons! It is rare that the time and efforts that older people put towards caring for others are truly appreciated. So, from our DETERMIND team, we'd like to send a huge thank you and encourage others to join in with the celebrations :)

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

The Gateshead research team recently visited participants in a beautiful town in the North Pennines. Winding roads led the team on a rural research adventure, where they were warmly welcomed by the local community. #DementiaResearch #RuralDementia

A winding countryside road through vast, open and hilly countryside. There are old wall ruins on the right of the road and green trees and heath on the left. There are several sheep dotted throughout the landscape

A sheep is standing in the heath looking at the camera and is surrounded by hilly countryside. A winding road is visible in the background. The clouds in the sky are grey and dramatic.

A road runs alongside hilly purple and green heathland. The landscape is dotted with jagged rock, small trees and bracken.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

What did you do after the bank holiday? We reunited our team to spend the day planning an application at the @empowerdementianet.bsky.social Sandpit Event. It was a real joy to meet others passionate about making a difference to the lives of those living with dementia and those who support them :)

A group of six happy team members, dressed semi-casually, in front of a projector screen. They all work on the DETERMIND dementia study together and are stood posing for the photo. On the screen is the title of the event 'Empower Dementia Network + Sandpit Event'. It is surrounded by illustrations of some trees and two characters holding flowers with a butterfly flying between them.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

PhD student @isaac-dc.bsky.social had a great time in Toronto at their first @alzassociation.bsky.social‬ international conference. They enjoyed learning about new community-based interventions and co-designed respite programs, as well as presenting their own research and lots of poutine! #AAIC25

A researcher is standing next to their research poster at a scientific conference, they are smiling and holding a coffee. The title of the poster is Predicting Delayed Diagnosis in Dementia: The Impact of Coping Style.

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DETERMIND Research Study @determindstudy.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

Welcome to the DETERMIND research project! We are an ambitious team aiming to find out how we can make dementia care and outcomes in the UK more equal. Keep an eye out for updates on the exciting next stage of the project, new findings, publications, and opportunities to get involved.

A cartoon drawing of a wooden sign post with two arms pointing in different directions. One arm of the sign post has a symbol of a hand holding a heart on it, representing care, the other arm of the sign post a pound sign symbol on it. At the base of the sign post is a tuft of grass and two flowers. The word DETERMIND features next to the cartoon in bold capital letters. Underneath this are the words finding a fairer path to dementia care. The cartoon and the text are in the colour green.

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