A Ray of Hope for Millions Living with Dementia

In 2020, an estimated 7 million Americans over 65 had dementia a number set to rise to 9 million by 2030. This devastating degenerative disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the USA. Dementia costs the American economy $305 billion in 2020 when informal unpaid care is accounted for, a figure expected to rise to £1.5 trillion by 2050. 70% of elderly residents of in long-term care are living with distressing symptoms that include disturbed sleep, memory loss and depression.

A growing body of evidence suggests that lighting that was originally developed to support the sleep, mental focus and mood of astronauts on the space station can deliver substantial and sustained benefits for older adults with dementia down here on earth. Large-scale studies show significant reduction in falls due to night-time wandering, cognitive decline and depression. However despite the evidence and availability of effective, affordable and sustainable lighting solutions, remarkably few healthcare providers are adopting these approaches. Lighting consultant and TEDX speaker Dr Shelley James is on a mission to change that.

Please join this ground-breaking online debate on the 7th of March, chaired by Dr Shelley James. Following opening remarks by Professor Russell Foster MBE, you will hear from three scientists about new frontiers in lighting research: sleep, acute effects of light on mood and cognition and research methods. Three remarkable healthcare providers from the USA, Denmark and the UK will then explain how they have applied these principles in the real world. Finally, they will share the problems they have faced, their results, and their vision for the future. Guests will be invited to ask questions of our panel before closing remarks by Helen Loomes, incoming President of the Society of Light and Lighting. 

For more information, please contact

Dr Shelley James

07894206336

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shelley-james-53592229/

Website: AgeofLightInnovations.com