Researchers receive grant for study on dementia, social isolation, loneliness

Nipissing Professor of Social Work and Social Gerontology, Dr. Mary Pat Sullivan, is leading a research team that was recently awarded a grant from the Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation (RTOERO Foundation) for a study on dementia, social isolation and loneliness. 

The RTOERO Foundation is providing the team with $24,950 over two years to investigate social isolation and loneliness pathways and experiences among individuals living with dementia in northeastern Ontario.

In addition to Dr. Sullivan, the research team includes two other Nipissing University faculty members, Dr. Veronika Williams, Director, School of Nursing, and Dr. Adetola Grillo, Post-Doctoral Fellow, School of Social Work as well as one of the top loneliness scholars in the world, Professor Christina Victor from Brunel University London, and a representative from the Alzheimer Society of Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay and Districts, Jessica Bertuzzi-Gallo. 

The results of the study will offer unique insights into the experience of social isolation and loneliness within dementia care. These understandings will contribute to practical dementia care educational resources for professionals and families to recognize social isolation and loneliness and implement coping strategies for care partners and people living with dementia.