Alzheimer Scotland have been working collaboratively with our Higher Education Institutions in Scotland to support a “practice ready” allied health professions workforce to be skilled and informed about dementia on graduation. One way we have been supporting this aspiration is to invite some of the AHP students to join us at our Alzheimer Scotland annual conference and then write a blog to share their learning experience. This blog shares the reflections from four AHP students from Edinburgh Napier University.
Orla O’Connell, Occupational Therapy Student
I really enjoyed hearing the guest speakers share their personal experiences of dementia at the Alzheimer’s Scotland conference. Their stories were honest, moving, and incredibly insightful, offering a deeper understanding of the realities of living with dementia. Listening to their perspectives helped highlight the importance of empathy, awareness, and continued support for those affected.
One important thing I learned was how varied each person’s experience of dementia can be, and how vital it is to listen to individuals’ own stories rather than rely on assumptions. Hearing directly from people living with dementia helped me understand the importance of person-centred support and the impact that small changes in communication and environment can have on their daily lives.
Niamh Cahalan, Occupational Therapy Student
What I liked most about the Alzheimer’s Scotland conference was hearing from speakers with lived experience. Their voices brought a powerful authenticity that grounded the discussions in real life rather than theory. Dementia is not something that affects only the individual, it reaches across the whole family and wider support network. Listening to people who are living with dementia, and those who care or cared for them, highlighted the emotional, practical, and social realities that professionals don’t always see. Their insights reminded me how essential it is for services, policy, and research to be shaped by the people directly impacted.
The most valuable insights often come directly from people with lived experience. Hearing their stories deepened my understanding of dementia beyond clinical knowledge, showing how it affects identity, relationships, and daily life which are areas that are central to occupational therapy. As a future occupational therapist, this perspective reinforces the importance of seeing the person first, understanding what truly matters to them, and supporting meaningful occupations. It highlights why person-centred, strengths-based approaches are essential in dementia care and why involving individuals and their families in decision-making leads to more effective, holistic interventions.
Alicia Le Bars, Physiotherapy Student
One aspect of the Alzheimer Scotland conference that I particularly enjoyed was the discussion on brain health. I found it really interesting to learn about how brain health is being prioritised in the workplace by encouraging certain behaviours such as mindful walking and other small, sustainable lifestyle changes. This made me more aware of the importance of incorporating small protective habits into daily routines. It was also interesting to learn more about what predispositions there are for Alzheimer’s disease, both in terms of modifiable and non-modifiable factors. It made me more aware of how certain environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors may influence cognitive outcomes.
Another thing that I learned was about the charity, Playlist for Life. I was not previously aware of this, but I enjoyed learning about how personalised music playlists can support people who are living with dementia. This highlighted how important person-centred care is for individuals even if it is not strictly medical.
Katie Drummond, Physiotherapy Student
As an MSc Physiotherapy student currently on placement in a care home, one aspect of the conference that I particularly appreciated was the strong emphasis on person-centred care. Despite the growing attention around disease-modifying drugs, the speakers reinforced that current research shows that high-quality, person-centred support remains just as important, if not more so, for people living with dementia.
I regularly interact with residents with a diagnosis of dementia whose needs are complex and varied, and this focus really resonated with me and reinforced the value of the therapeutic relationships we build as part of rehab and daily care.
A key thing I learned was: the significance of brain-health awareness and risk-reduction messaging across the lifespan. The discussion about the modifiable factors influencing brain health, alongside the message that it is “never too early, never too late,” highlighted the importance of proactive, preventative approaches.
This broadened my perspective beyond supporting individuals diagnosed with dementia to also understanding the role physios can play in promoting lifestyle changes, physical activity, and education to reduce risk and support healthier ageing.
