Meeting with EWGPWD and EDCWG
In December 2024, the DCs had the opportunity to meet the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD) and the European Dementia Carers Working Group (EDCWG) in October 2024, where they engaged in discussions on how to ensure their research methodologies are relevant and impactful for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Some key insights emerged: Marine Markaryan, Ajda Flisar, and Sunny Tan found that their respective research topics— maintaining couplehood, nighttime agitation, social needs,—were highly relevant, as confirmed by both working groups.
Another recurring theme was the importance of flexibility in research methods. DCs who tested interview questions and interactive tools—such as visuals (Marine), scents (Natsumi Wada), and artifacts (Alicia Valencia)—received valuable input on how to make their approaches more engaging and reflective of lived experiences.
Additionally, discussions reinforced the value of co-creation and public involvement in dementia research. Andrea Nakakawa and Rising Lai, for instance, highlighted how direct feedback helped refine their research on home care services and mealtime experiences, ensuring they remain practical and meaningful for participants.
Rising used dementia-friendly visual cards during the meeting.
Moving forward, DCs will integrate these insights into their research. The HOMEDEM network remains committed to PPI research, ensuring that findings translate into meaningful, person-centered outcomes.
