SPCR Masterclass | Let’s talk dementia: Supporting communication in research partnerships involving people with dementia
Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 12pm to 1pm
Hosted by SPCR Team
Title: Let’s talk dementia: Supporting communication in research partnerships involving people with dementia
Speakers: Dr Sarah Griffiths (Senior Research Fellow, University College London) and Martin Robertson (Lived experience lead on the NIHR SPCR funded ‘Let’s Talk Dementia’ project)
When: 17 February 2026, 12 - 13.00
How: MS Teams
This project was developed in response to a clear need: people with dementia remain underrepresented in shaping research. This is often due to the communication changes associated with dementia, fast-paced meetings and traditional involvement practices making participation difficult. We set out to better understand these challenges and to work with people with dementia and their supporters to identify what truly supports inclusive, person-centred communication in dementia related Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE). We then co-produced guidance resources for researchers.
In this masterclass, we will share our experiences of co-producing the resources, reflecting on how we worked together, the adaptations that helped make the process accessible, and what we learned about creating research partnerships that allow people with dementia to contribute meaningfully and confidently.
We will also introduce the outputs created through the project: an animation of 10 Top Communication Tips and a detailed written guide, both designed to equip researchers with practical communication strategies to make involvement more accessible, inclusive and effective.
Target audience:
Open to all, but may be particularly relevant to dementia researchers, people with dementia who work alongside researchers or are interested in doing so, people who support those with dementia
Admin support: SPCR Directorate
More information about the Speakers:
Dr Sarah Griffiths is a Senior Dementia Research Fellow at UCL, specialising in communication, co-production and personalised dementia care. Drawing on her background as a speech and language therapist and her leadership across major national dementia research programmes, she brings expertise in inclusive research methods and supporting people with dementia to shape the studies that affect their lives.
Martin Robertson: ‘I was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy in 2016 and given three years before I would be in care. I have beaten the odds by immersing myself in co-research which keeps my cognitive reserve high. I use my lived experience prior to my diagnosis to help my work. I used to be a Benefit Fraud Officer so became good at reading body language during taped Interviews. I honed this skill when I went to work in care as a Personal Care Assistant with people who were non-verbal. This experience of care has also shown me the reality of care work and was the most rewarding work I ever did.’