Dr Sarah Housden

Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences, UEA.

Monday 19th November 2018

Trinity Meeting Place, Essex St., Norwich, NR2 2BJ

Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependence among older people worldwide. Dr Sarah Housden will talk and lead a discussion on dementia and memory loss. She will explore the perplexing connections between mind, body and spirit and suggest ways to offer spiritual support to those with dementia and to those who care for them.

Recent research in neurobiology has helped to explain how memories are laid down, and how they may be lost during the onset of dementia. This has led to significant improvements in diagnosis and clinical practice. At a personal level, however, memory loss and dementia can have a profound social impact for individuals, their families and carers.

For example, how does the onset of dementia affect one’s sense of self? We need to explore the social, psychological and spiritual consequences of this complex syndrome. This is particularly important for religious leaders, counsellors and lay people who may be called upon to provide spiritual support to individuals and their families, following a diagnosis of dementia.

Based on our current understanding of memory and the brain, Dr Housden will outline some positive approaches to social inclusion for those affected by dementia. How can we encourage people living with dementia to maintain their involvement with communities, including local faith communities? How can we best support those who care for people living with dementia? And, finally, how can we work to overcome negative and stigmatising attitudes towards people living with dementia?

Dr Sarah Housden is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences at UEA. As an occupational therapist, she has an interest in promoting well-being and quality of life for older people and those living with dementia. Her recent research has explored the use of “reminiscence” as a catalyst for learning in later life. She is also interested in the use of archive film to promote communication between people living with dementia and those caring for them.

All welcome No booking required Retiring collection