Award nominations for dementia education project

A University of Stirling academic has been shortlisted for three awards after leading a project that helps people with learning difficulties come to terms with dementia.

Dr Karen Watchman's project, Jenny's Diary, is up for three awards.

Dr Karen Watchman developed the booklet, ‘Jenny’s Diary’, after a study she conducted found that some people with learning disabilities may struggle to understand dementia and the effects the condition has on them or their loved-ones.

Funded by the Alzheimer’s Society, the booklet features everyday scenarios to highlight the impact of dementia and suggests strategies for support. It is especially important to people with learning difficulties, particularly Down’s syndrome, as they may be at higher risk of developing dementia at an early age.

Jenny’s Diary has been nominated in two categories at the Herald Diversity Awards and in another at the Scottish Self Management Awards.

Jenny's Diary helps people with learning difficulties to come to terms with dementia.

Dr Watchman, a Senior Lecturer in Ageing, Frailty and Dementia, said: “It is an honour to be nominated in two categories at the Herald Diversity Awards and one at the Scottish Self Management Awards.

“Jenny’s Diary is an excellent example of how academic staff can make sure that research findings are put into practice in an accessible format.

“The work is ongoing with translations of Jenny’s Diary available in German, Mandarin Chinese, Italian and Norwegian, with a French version on the way.”

Jenny’s Diary will compete in the Diversity Through Education and Design for Diversity categories at the Herald Diversity Awards, which will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday, 12 October.

Stirling’s BSc Nursing Programme is also shortlisted for the Design for Diversity award.

Dr Watchman’s project has also been shortlisted for Self Management Resource of the Year at the Scottish Self Management Awards, to be held at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, 4 October.

Dr Watchman is currently leading a three-year research project implementing non-drug interventions with people who have a learning disability and dementia.