During World Alzheimer’s Month this September, Golnaz Atefi, a dementia researcher based at Alzheimer’s Centre Limburg, is embarking on a unique and challenging journey: skating over 1,000 km in 30 days across Europe to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and representation in dementia research. “If I successfully skate 1,000 km in one month, it will set a world record for the farthest distance ever skated by a female skater. I am determined to achieve this to raise awareness for dementia”, she said. The central message of her campaign is clear: "Without proper representation, we risk stifling innovation."
Through her PhD research as part of the DISTINCT network, Golnaz aimed to improve the lives of people with dementia and family caregivers through technology. She recognised the immense potential of technology to transform health and dementia care by narrowing gaps and providing accessible support. "When implemented sustainably and at scale, these tools could offer equitable access to high-quality care for individuals worldwide, addressing global health and wellbeing disparities. However, these innovative technologies could also exacerbate existing healthcare disparities and contribute to digital exclusion, particularly for older adults who may be unable or unwilling to access or use these services due to socio-economic and cultural barriers, lack of digital literacy, and affordability issues", she commented. This awareness-raising effort is part of her current fellowship with University College London, building on insights gained from her PhD research.
Throughout her journey, Golnaz will interview researchers, healthcare professionals, and community members to discuss the challenges and opportunities in making dementia research more inclusive. She noted that “the skating itself may not be the most challenging part, but using it as a medium to raise awareness is. This effort requires collaboration from professionals and organizations to share their insights, experiences, solutions, and recommendations so that together, we can raise awareness in an engaging and impactful way”. The interviews, along with the highs and lows of her journey, will be shared through daily vlog posts and behind-the-scenes moments on the Dementia Researcher YouTube channel. Stay tuned for updates, and if you are attending the 34th Alzheimer Europe Conference (#34AEC) please feel free to connect with Golnaz to share your insights or even skate part of the way with her during this campaign to raise awareness and promote inclusivity in dementia research. Interviews with INTERDEM members will also be disseminated via the INTERDEM website.
