Direct contact with the public not only gives Gelmers new insights, but also a great deal of motivation. ‘It is precisely in those conversations, when people share their own stories or say that they recognise themselves in the situation, that I feel why I am doing this research,’ she says. ‘The abstract figures and tests suddenly take on a human face. That makes my work tangible and gives direction to the questions we ask in our research.’
‘Science is quite abstract for a large group of people,’ says Tineke Goossens, Social Domain Specialist at Westerkwartier Libraries. ‘The library is the perfect place to show that science is interesting, informative and fun.’
Gelmer's research focuses on dementia and driving. She is investigating a form of dementia that is often overlooked: early-onset dementia. People under the age of 65 who are diagnosed with this condition are usually still in the prime of their lives. They are socially active, look after children and still drive cars. It is precisely the latter that touches on one of the central themes in Gelmer's research: risk behaviour in traffic. 'I am investigating how changes in social cognition, such as reduced empathy or impulse control, can lead to unsafe participation in traffic.'
‘We want to gain a better understanding of whether people with early-onset dementia can still drive safely,’ explains Gelmers. ‘And how you can measure that reliably.’ That is why researchers at the UMCG are developing tests for empathy and social insight, and are working with a driving simulator to realistically simulate traffic situations. This allows forms of risky behaviour to be identified safely and practically. The results of the research conducted by Gelmers and her colleagues may ultimately lead to changes in national guidelines, such as those issued by the CBR.
“There is a great need for this research,” says Gelmers. 'After diagnosis, young people with dementia and their loved ones often have to search for the care that suits them. Many existing facilities are mainly aimed at older people with dementia, while younger people often have very different needs. For example, in terms of work, family and mobility. When behaviour changes but the world around you does not change with it, risks and frustration arise. 'By linking these stories to research, we gain more insight into what is needed and how care can be tailored to that.'
Goossens is convinced of the added value of this type of lecture: ‘Gelmers told a clear story, with concrete examples. The audience asked many questions and many people continued to discuss the topic long after the lecture had ended. One of the visitors said that it was only after attending this lecture that she was able to explain her partner's strange behaviour. With the Brain Library lectures, we want to show that science does not have to be abstract.'
Gelmers' lecture was part of the Brain Library lecture series, which took place in various libraries in the province of Groningen. In this series, researchers from the Neurology Department of the UMCG, among others, engaged in conversation with the audience about various aspects of the brain. The series focuses not only on the brain itself, but also on how neurological disorders affect daily life.
Goossens: 'As a library, we try to respond as effectively as possible to themes that are relevant to society. And to make scientific research on these themes as accessible as possible.'
In the Science next door section, we show you that science is not a closed world. We bring knowledge to places where people can use it. To understand, recognise and make healthier choices. Researchers listen to what is going on in society and incorporate those stories into their research. Because where research and society meet, new insights arise. In this way, we work together to build more healthy years.
