Dementia research wins diversity award

A University of Stirling research team investigating the impact of dementia on couples with a learning disability has been recognised with a top award.

The Stand by Me team on stage at the award ceremony

A University of Stirling research team investigating the impact of dementia on couples with a learning disability has been recognised with a top award.

‘Stand by Me’, which is led by Professor Karen Watchman in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, received the ‘Diversity through Education Award’ at the Herald & GenAnalytics Diversity Awards 2023.

The research team, which includes members with a learning disability, were praised by judges for the way in which they explored the lived experiences and dispelled long-held misconceptions and stereotypes often associated with people who have a learning disability and dementia.

Prof Karen Watchman poses with her arms crossed. She has blonde bobbed hair and is wearing a blue dress.
Professor Karen Watchman
Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport
The judges were looking for evidence of projects with diversity and inclusion at their heart and were impressed by the way in which our team included the lived experience of people with a learning disability and dementia.

Professor Watchman said: “'I am both delighted and honoured to receive this Diversity through Education award as part of the Stand by Me research team. 

“This is the culmination of a two-year project and is testament to the commitment of the team at Stirling, Edinburgh, Key and Alzheimer Scotland.

 “The judges were looking for evidence of projects with diversity and inclusion at their heart and were impressed by the way in which our team included the lived experience of people with a learning disability and dementia.”

A photograph of the trophy presented to the Stand by Me research team

The event took place in the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow.

Stand by Me is funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust and is a collaborative study involving the University of Stirling, Key, Alzheimer Scotland and the University of Edinburgh.

The study is the first to investigate the impact on relationships between couples who have a learning disability when one partner has a diagnosis of dementia. The idea for the research came from a married man with a learning disability and dementia, Andrew, who expressed concern that his relationship may change in the future and it became apparent that no research or guidance was available to support him, his partner or their ongoing relationship. Andrew was the driving force behind the study and remains part of the team at Stirling.

The Herald & GenAnalytics Diversity Awards is an annual event celebrating outstanding progress towards the goal of breaking down barriers and this year was hosted by University of Stirling graduate, TV presenter Eilidh Barbour.