May 26, 2026
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EMERALD-Lewy recently delivered an interactive outreach session for Transition Year students in collaboration with the Trinity Access Programme, which supports widening participation in third-level education among students from under-represented and disadvantaged communities. The session formed part of a broader initiative to introduce young people to research careers while also increasing awareness of neurological conditions such as Lewy body dementia.
A key feature of the visit was a game-based learning station designed to present symptoms of Lewy body dementia in an accessible and memorable way. For example, one activity involved students taking part in a smell test activity, which helped spark discussion about how loss of smell can be an early symptom of Lewy body dementia. Interactive approaches like this encouraged curiosity and helped students connect scientific concepts to real-life experiences.
We were particularly pleased to deliver this session as it reflected feedback gathered through a recent PPI Ignite workshop, which highlighted the importance of improving dementia education in schools. People living with Lewy body dementia emphasised the need for earlier awareness and for challenging the misconception that dementia only affects older adults, with one PPI member sharing that their children were still in school at the time of their diagnosis.
Alongside raising awareness, the session also aimed to inspire interest in research careers by demonstrating how scientific work can improve understanding, care, and support for conditions like Lewy body dementia.
EMERALD-Lewy is grateful to the Trinity Access Programme and participating schools for their enthusiasm and engagement, and we look forward to seeing all of the wonderful things the students go on to achieve in the future.
