Arlene Astell

Dr. Arlene Astell is a clinically trained psychologist and Director of the Dementia Ageing Technology Engagement (DATE) lab. She gained her PhD on the impact of Alzheimer's disease on speech at the University of Warwick (UK), which inspired her research into creative interventions, particularly using technology to support people living with dementia. Over the past 20 years, she has led and participated in multiple national and international projects on technology, ageing and dementia both in Canada and the UK.

Areas of Research / Educational Scholarship

Her research focuses on leveraging retained abilities and mitigating cognitive impairment associated with dementia. To achieve this involves co-creating bespoke interventions with people living with dementia and their care partners as well as harnessing digital functionality in off the shelf products. Adopting familiar items such as smart phones and digital games, also challenges negative perceptions of dementia and tackles stigma.