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    Funded Studies Details

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    2023 Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI)

    Hope - Ronald the rooster and other short stories in the days of Dementia

    Can short stories help promote dementia awareness?

    Mike Hanrahan
    Meath County Council- Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service
    Navan, Iceland



    Background

    The World Health Organization has made improving the public health response to dementia a priority. This includes promoting awareness and understanding of brain health and fostering dementia-friendly attitudes in the community. Studies have shown that literature can be a useful tool for dementia awareness and education. However, most fictional literature portrays negative attitudes towards dementia and does not represent the lived experiences of individuals with dementia and their care partners.

    Research Plan

    Dr. Mike Hanrahan and colleagues aim to produce a series of fictional short stories that capture the lived experiences of individuals living with dementia and their care partners. The researchers then hope to publish the collection of stories in a book that can be used to promote dementia awareness to a global audience. Lastly, the team will pitch the book of published stories to an animation company with the goal of transforming each story into a short film.

    Impact

    If successful, the stories created during this study will improve the representation of individuals living with dementia in literature. It could also promote dementia awareness and reduce negative attitudes and stigma surrounding dementia.

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