Longitude Prize on Dementia partners with the London School of Economics to evaluate finalist technologies

The Longitude Prize on Dementia has partnered with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) to support the evaluation of the finalist technologies ahead of the winner selection early next year. 

When it comes to innovation, collaboration is key and we’re proud to announce a new partnership between the Longitude Prize on Dementia and the Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC) based at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) – with expert researchers coming on board to evaluate the advanced assistive technologies from the finalist teams.

Selected from 24 semi-finalists in October 2024 and awarded a further £300,000 in funding and a package of expert support each, the five finalist teams are now refining their technologies; designed to help people living with dementia lead more independent lives. The teams will submit their final proposals to win the £1 million final prize in late November this year.

The prize finalists represent a diverse range of innovations, from high-tech glasses designed to help people recognise objects to football-pitch-sensor technology applied discretely in the home to predict and prevent falls. The five technologies in development each have the potential to transform the daily lives of those living with dementia, but determining their impact and success requires rigorous evaluation – which is where the expertise of CPEC at LSE comes in. 

Supported by funding from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), academics from the CPEC will produce a series of comprehensive reports evaluating each of the five finalists’ products, including their development process and how they’ve co-created their solutions with people living with dementia. The reports, due to be published later this year, will include an examination of the effects and successes of the products in improving the quality of life of the users.

Crucially, the reports generated by the LSE – overseen by Martin Knapp, Professor of Health and Social Care Policy and colleagues, Juliette Malley, Chiara de Poli and Valentina Zigante – will provide independent expert analysis to inform the discussions and decisions of the Judging Panel and the Lived-Experience Advisory Panel when selecting the £1 million prize winner.

Dementia is a progressive condition and there is no cure, but people can live well for years. As hospitalisations can increase the rate of decline, the hope is that assistive technology such as the products in development by our five finalists, can help people stay safe and independent in their home for longer. The winning solution will use the latest advances in technology, AI and machine learning in combination with user data and testing to provide personalised support for people living with dementia.  

”These five groundbreaking technologies have been designed to help people living with dementia maintain independence in their home and continue their day-to-day activities,” explains Caroline Purslow, Head of Global Heath at Challenge Works. “The researchers supporting the prize have significant experience in advanced, evidence-based methods for measuring the impact of health and social care-focused technologies. Their input to the prize and assessment of the solutions will be crucial.”

We look forward to seeing the results of these evaluations and, most importantly, to the positive impact these technologies can have on the lives of people living with dementia. To learn more about the Longitude Prize on Dementia and the innovative solutions in the running for the prize, visit dementia.longitudeprize.org.

You can read more about this partnership in THIIS Magazine, The Carer and The Care Home Environment.