Introducing the new Assistive Technology taskforce leads

David Neal and Lizzy Boots recently took over coordination of the INTERDEM Assistive Technology Taskforce from long-time leads Franka Meiland and Manuel Franco. Here David and Lizzy briefly introduce themselves.

David Neal (Amsterdam University Medical Centres)

Hi! I’m originally from the UK and now live in the Netherlands with my wife and 1 year-old son. I’m finishing up my PhD research, in which I apply multiple (qualitative and quantitative) methods to researching the development, implementation and evaluation of digital technology in dementia care.

Prior to this I worked as a physician in London. Based on first-hand experience of medical care for elderly people (with and without dementia), I believe that new technologies have great potential for improving health and quality of life but only if we can work out which technologies are (cost-)effective, and, crucially, how to implement technologies taking into account individuals’ needs.

My vision for the future is that high quality, user-friendly and cognitively accessible technology is fully integrated into standard care and support pathways for people with dementia and their caregivers. I’m excited to apply my clinical and research experience to facilitate the important work of the AT Taskforce and all its members.

Lizzy Boots (Alzheimer Center Limburg)

Hi everyone! Very honored and pleased to join forces with this same-minded group of international researchers! As an assistant professor and coordinator of psychosocial research within the Alzheimer Center Limburg (Maastricht University) I focus on translating gaps in available care into the development, implementation and matching of already available interventions for people with dementia and their caregivers. One example is the further application of the “Partner in Balance” (PiB) program, an eHealth intervention to effectively support caregivers of people with (young-onset, Frontotemporal) dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.

As a psychologist, my personal goal is to translate knowledge on psychosocial needs into (technological) care innovations and implement them into daily practice. It can be very challenging to implement academic interventions into a commercially driven market. I think that my expertise in dementia care eHealth innovations and their sustainable implementation will benefit the INTERDEM Taskforce on Assistive Technology. Looking forward to working with all of you!