Professor Karen Watchman

Professor

Health Sciences Stirling E19 Pathfoot, University of Stirling

Professor Karen Watchman

Contact details

About me

Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport and Adjunct Professor University of Limerick
I have over 25 years of experience working at a senior level in both research and social care and am UK delivery lead for IMPACT see this link. IMPACT is an implementation centre drawing on knowledge gained from different types of research, the lived experience of people using services and their carers, and the practice knowledge of social care staff.

My academic background is in social science, with a practice background in intellectual disability where I spent many years as Chief Executive of Down's Syndrome Scotland.

I have extensive experience of co-producing, writing, and disseminating my research findings for different audiences by developing dementia-related content for publication in a range of formats. Knowledge translation and production of accessible information, such as Jenny's Diary see this link ensures dissemination of research findings into practice both nationally and internationally, with translation into six languages. I provide training, and consultancy and have developed award winning resources with, and for, people with intellectual disability and dementia.

During 2021, I spent the year as part-time Senior Publications Manager for Alzheimer's Disease International where I worked alongside McGill University, Canada to manage and edit the World Alzheimer Report 2021, Journey through the Diagnosis of Dementia see this link. I authored the report From Plan to Impact IV see this link monitoring progress towards targets of the WHO Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia.

With experience in qualitative and mixed method research, I lead teams conducting participatory research with people who have an intellectual disability, with a specific research interest in dementia. Recent grants have been awarded by Dunhill Medical Trust see this link, The Alzheimer's Society see this link, ESRC see this link, Chief Scientists Office see this link, and The British Academy see this link.

Funded research, evaluation and impact activities as Principal and Co-investigator since 2016 are shown below. See my ORCID page for further details see this link

Award

Alzheimer's Society UK Dementia research leaders award for use of research evidence with marginalised groups (winner)
Alzheimer's Society

https://bit.ly/2tZTpur

Mental health nursing forum award (winner) - Grace Notes
Mental Health Nursing Forum Scotland

https://soundcloud.com/grace-notes-alzscot-uws

Guardian University Awards, International Projects (finalist), Dementia Palliare

http://healthlifesciences.uws.ac.uk/…iversity-awards/

Health and Social Care Alliance Self Management Resource of the Year (winner) - Jenny's Diary
Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland

https://bit.ly/2KEnTct

National Dementia Care Awards UK: best dementia training initiative (winner) - Post diagnostic support for people with a learning disability and dementia

https://www.stirlingnews.co.uk/…tia-care-course/

Scottish Learning Disability Awards Community Champion (highly commended), Life through a Lens Research Team

https://www.key.org.uk/…s-award-success/

The Herald & GenAnalytics Diversity Awards (winner), Diversity through Education
The Herald's Higher Education Awards - Scotland

https://www.stir.ac.uk/…diversity-award/

UK Dementia Care Awards, Dementia and Diversity category, Stand by Me project

https://www.dementiacareawards.co.uk/…-2024-announced/

Scottish Self-management Awards, Stand by Me, winner of Empowering Self-management category

https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/…ntary-reception/

Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy
Higher Education Academy

Event / Presentation

Jointly facing the challenges of dementia in adults with intellectual disability / Successful Ageing for People with Intellectual disabilities, University of Tainan & Children Are Us Foundation, Taiwan (invited keynote)
Children Are Us Foundation

Intellectual Disability and Dementia: Critical Issues for Families and Carers / Towards an Ageing Society: Inclusive Living for people with Intellectual Disabilities, Caritas, Hong Kong (invited keynote)
Caritas

Dementia and intellectual disability - Valuing the perspectives of people with intellectual disability. 28th Alzheimer Europe Conference, Barcelona (invited keynote)
Alzheimer Europe

https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/…Keynote-Speakers

Football-focused reminiscence in dementia care: Impact on quality of life. 10th International Dementia Conference, Ireland (invited keynote)
Sonas apc

Ardgowan Hospice, Hope for Home Dementia Conference (invited keynote)

Living Well with Dementia (conference organiser) - free conference for, and led by, people with a learning disability

National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia, USA - invited delivery of online seminar series

Equality and Diversity Issues in Care Home Research, British Society of Gerontology, invited seminar (online)

NHS Education for Scotland invited masterclass, learning disability and dementia

Supporting People with a Learning Disability and Advancing Dementia (invited presenter)
Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Care Inspectorate and Alzheimer Scotland

https://ihub.scot/…learning-system/

International Summit on intellectual Disability and Dementia (Toronto)

https://www.the-ntg.org/copy-of-glasgow-summit-on-id

UK Dementia and Palliative Care Conference 2025 (invited keynote)

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rowcroft/1390432

Examining

MSc Applied Dementia Studies, University of Bournemouth

MSc Nursing: Dementia Care, University of Limerick
University of Limerick, Ireland

BSc in Intellectual Disability Nursing, Waterford Institute of Technology

Other Academic Activities

International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IASSIDD) – Down syndrome research group secretary

Adjunct Professor, University of Limerick. Ireland
University of Limerick, Ireland

Alzheimer Europe External Advisory Panel member
Alzheimer Europe
https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/…ry-panel/members

Invited member of National Task Group International Committee (USA)

Scottish government cross party working group on dementia

World Health Organisation, Global Dementia Observatory Knowledge Exchange Platform Reviewer

Supervision of Research Assistants

Kate Mattheys

Heather Strachan

Marie Dunnion

Esme Foxworthy-Bowers

Paula Jacobs

Leanne Teichner

Catherine Arnold

Laura Doyle

Laura Jones

Marlene Kelly

Soracha Cashman

Research projects (15)

Learning disability & dementia - supporting transition to a care home (UKRI Healthy Ageing Catalyst Awards)
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: Economic and Social Research Council
–

GOALD: Connectivity and Digital Design for Health and Well-being Across Generations, Places and Spaces
PI: Professor Catherine Hennessy
Funded by: Economic and Social Research Council
–

British Academy Visiting Fellowship
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: The British Academy
–

Perspectives of older couples with a learning disability when one partner has dementia: identifying support needs of carer dyads.
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: The Dunhill Medical Trust
–

British Academy Writing Workshop (Global Challenges Research Fund)
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: The British Academy
–

COVID-19 Rapid Response. Sustaining the resilience and wellbeing of frontline community based care and support workers to vulnerable older people during a time of crisis
PI: Dr Grant Gibson
Funded by: Chief Scientist Office
–

COVID19 social distancing effects on social engagement, loneliness, wellbeing and physical activity in Scottish older adults, and an exploration of potential ameliorating strategies.
PI: Professor Anna Whittaker
Funded by: Chief Scientist Office
–

Life through a lens: participatory action research to collaboratively implement non-pharmacological interventions with people who have a learning disability and dementia
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: Alzheimer's Society
–

Post-diagnostic support for people with a learning disability and dementia (funded through delegate fees)
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: Delegates - Short Courses
–

Life Stories Project - Down's Syndrome
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: R S Macdonald Charitable Trust
–

Learning Disability & Dementia training delivery (Hansel)
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: Hansel
–

Understanding the needs of homecare workers supporting people with dementia and cancer.
PI: Dr Nicola Cunningham
Funded by: Chief Scientist Office
–

Representation and Stereotype of Down syndrome: a social media investigation
PI:
Funded by: The Carnegie Trust
–

Learning Disability and Dementia Non Accredited CPD Course
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: Delegates - Short Courses
–

Learning Disability and Dementia: Training for Trainers
PI: Professor Karen Watchman
Funded by: St Michael's House
–

Outputs (69)

Article

Autism and Dementia: A Summative Report from the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia

Janicki M, McCallion P, Jokinen N, Larsen F, Mughal D, Palanisamy V, Watchman K, Santos F, Service K, Shih A, Shooshtari S & Thakur A (2025) Autism and Dementia: A Summative Report from the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia. Janicki M (Contact Person), McCallion P (Researcher), Jokinen N (Researcher), Larsen F (Researcher), Mughal D (Researcher), Palanisamy V (Research Group), Santos F (Researcher), Service K (Researcher), Shih A (Researcher), Shooshtari S (Researcher), Thakur A (Research Group), Gomiero T (Researcher) & Watchman K (Contact Person) Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-025-06843-7?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20250506&utm_content=10.1007/s10803-025-06843-7#Ack1; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-025-06843-7

Technical Report

Autism, aging, and dementia: A consensus report of the Autism/Dementia Work Group of the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia.

Esralew L, Janicki MP, Jokinen N, Kibsgaard Larsen F, Marsack-Topolewski C, McCallion P, Torres-Mughai D, Palanisamy V, Santos FH, Service KP, Shooshtari S, Thakur A, Tiziano G & Watchman K (2024) Autism, aging, and dementia: A consensus report of the Autism/Dementia Work Group of the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia.. International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia. Toronto, Canada. https://www.the-ntg.org/_files/ugd/8c1d0a_35e8665e8ee549beaa536aa7a7eeb4c8.pdf

Article

Couples with intellectual disability where one partner has dementia – a scoping review exploring relationships in the context of dementia and intellectual disability

Jacobs P, Watchman K, Wilkinson H & Hoyle L (2023) Couples with intellectual disability where one partner has dementia – a scoping review exploring relationships in the context of dementia and intellectual disability. Ageing and Society, 44 (11), pp. 2530 - 2569. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0144686x22001416

Article

". . . Exercise opportunities became very important": Scottish older adults' changes in physical activity during Covid19'

Tomaz SA, Ryde GC, Swales B, Neely KC, Andreis F, Coffee P, Connelly J, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Martin JG, Pina I & Whittaker AC (2022) ". . . Exercise opportunities became very important": Scottish older adults' changes in physical activity during Covid19'. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 19, Art. No.: 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-022-00295-z

Article

Loneliness, Wellbeing, and Social Activity in Scottish Older Adults Resulting from Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tomaz SA, Coffee P, Ryde GC, Swales B, Neely KC, Connelly J, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Andreis F, Martin JG, Pina I & Whittaker AC (2021) Loneliness, Wellbeing, and Social Activity in Scottish Older Adults Resulting from Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (9), Art. No.: 4517. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094517

Article

A person-centred approach to implementation of psychosocial interventions with people who have an intellectual disability and dementia-A participatory action study

Watchman K, Mattheys K, McKernon M, Strachan H, Andreis F & Murdoch J (2021) A person-centred approach to implementation of psychosocial interventions with people who have an intellectual disability and dementia-A participatory action study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34 (1), pp. 164-177. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12795

Book Chapter

A brief history of Down syndrome, key moments and reflections

Watchman K, Brown R, Kyrkou M & Hodapp R (2020) A brief history of Down syndrome, key moments and reflections. In: Burack JA, Edgin JO & Abbeduto L (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Down Syndrome and Development. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190645441.013.1

Conference Paper (unpublished)

Loneliness, social support and wellbeing in Scottish older adults as a result of social distancing during the Covid19 pandemic

Whittaker AC, Tomaz SA, Ryde G, Connelly J, Coffee P, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Andreis F, Swales B, Martin JG, Pina I & Neely KC (2020) Loneliness, social support and wellbeing in Scottish older adults as a result of social distancing during the Covid19 pandemic. American Psychosomatic Society 2020 Virtual Meeting, Online, 03.12.2020-04.12.2020. https://psychosomatic.org/meetings/annual-meeting-2020/

Conference Paper (unpublished)

Impact of Covid19 social distancing on the social and mental health of Scottish older adults

Whittaker AC, Tomaz SA, Coffee P, Ryde G, Connelly J, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Andreis F, Neely KC, Swales B, Martin JG & Pina I (2020) Impact of Covid19 social distancing on the social and mental health of Scottish older adults. Scottish Physical Activity Research Connections 2020 Digital Conference, Online, 11.11.2020-18.11.2020. https://www.sparc.education.ed.ac.uk/conference-2020/

Conference Paper (unpublished)

The impact of Covid19 on Scottish older adults’ physical activity: Changes and associations with wellbeing

Tomaz SA, Ryde G, Connelly J, Swales B, Martin JG, Pina I, Neely KC, Coffee P, Kirkland A, Andreis F, McCabe L, Watchman K & Whittaker AC (2020) The impact of Covid19 on Scottish older adults’ physical activity: Changes and associations with wellbeing. Scottish Physical Activity Research Connections 2020 Digital Conference, Online, 11.11.2020-18.11.2020. https://www.sparc.education.ed.ac.uk/conference-2020/

Article

Consensus Statement of the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia on Valuing the Perspectives of Persons with Intellectual Disability

Watchman K, Janicki M, Udell L, Hogan M, Quinn S & Berankova A (2019) Consensus Statement of the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia on Valuing the Perspectives of Persons with Intellectual Disability. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 23 (2), pp. 266-280. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744629517751817

Book Chapter

Where does dementia sit in modern society?

Watchman K (2019) Where does dementia sit in modern society?. In: Jackson G & Tolson D (eds.) Textbook of Dementia Care: An Integrated Approach. London: Routledge, pp. 29-37. https://www.crcpress.com/Textbook-of-Dementia-Care-An-Integrated-Approach/Jackson-Tolson/p/book/9781138229242

Book Chapter

Down's syndrome and dementia

Watchman K & Quinn S (2019) Down's syndrome and dementia. In: Jackson G & Tolson D (eds.) Textbook of Dementia Care. London: Routledge, pp. 178-186. https://www.crcpress.com/Textbook-of-Dementia-Care-An-Integrated-Approach/Jackson-Tolson/p/book/9781138229242

Book Chapter

Como disfrutar la vida al hacerse viejo

Watchman K (2019) Como disfrutar la vida al hacerse viejo [Ageing with Down syndrome]. In: Guerrero M & Brown R (eds.) Vivir con Síndrome de Down. Mexico City, Mexico: Independently Published, pp. 116-136. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vivir-S%C3%ADndrome-Down-Manuel-Guerrero/dp/1796930512/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1553512235&sr=1-3

Article

Perspectives on family caregiving of people aging with intellectual disability affected by dementia: Commentary from the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia

Jokinen N, Gomiero T, Watchman K, Janicki M, Hogan M, Larsen F, Berankova A, Santos F, Service K & Crowe J (2018) Perspectives on family caregiving of people aging with intellectual disability affected by dementia: Commentary from the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 61 (4), pp. 411-431. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2018.1454563

Article

Highlights from the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia: Implications for Brazil

Watchman K, Helosia dos Santos F & Janicki M (2018) Highlights from the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia: Implications for Brazil [Síntese da Cúpula Internacional Sobre Deficiência Intelectual e Demência: Implicações Para o Brasil]. Dementia and Neuropsychologia, 12 (4), pp. 329-336. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-57642018dn12-040001

Article

Supporting Advanced Dementia in people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities: Consensus Statement of the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia

McCarron M, McCallion P, Coppus A, Fortea J, Stemp S, Janicki M & Watchman K (2018) Supporting Advanced Dementia in people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities: Consensus Statement of the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 62 (7), pp. 617-624. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12500

Article

Consensus Statement of the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia Related to End-of-life Care in Advanced Dementia

McCallion P, Hogan M, Santos F, McCarron M, Service K, Stemp S, Keller S, Fortea J, Bishop K, Watchman K & Janicki M (2017) Consensus Statement of the International Summit on Intellectual Disability and Dementia Related to End-of-life Care in Advanced Dementia. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 30 (6), pp. 1160-1164. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12349

Article

Dying well with an intellectual disability and dementia?

Service KP, Watchman K, Hogan M, Janicki M, Berankova A & Cadovius N (2017) Dying well with an intellectual disability and dementia?. Journal of Dementia Care, 25 (4), pp. 28-31. http://www.careinfo.org/dying-well-with-an-intellectual-disability-and-dementia/

Article

Developing evidence for football (soccer) reminiscence interventions with long-term care: a cooperative approach applied in Scotland and Spain

Coll-Planas L, Watchman K, Doménech S, McGillivray D, O'Donnell H & Tolson D (2017) Developing evidence for football (soccer) reminiscence interventions with long-term care: a cooperative approach applied in Scotland and Spain. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 18 (4), pp. 355-360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2017.01.013

Website Content

Mythbusting guide to Down’s syndrome and dementia

Watchman K (2017) Mythbusting guide to Down’s syndrome and dementia. Alzheimer's Society UK, 21.03.2017. https://blog.alzheimers.org.uk/research/mythbusting-guide-to-downs-syndrome-and-dementia/

Technical Report

Dementia Palliare Best Practice Statement

Holmerova I, Waugh A, MacRae R, Veprkova R, Sandvide A, Hanson E, Jackson G, Watchman K, Tolson D & Tolson D (2016) Dementia Palliare Best Practice Statement. European Commission. University of the West of Scotland.

Website Content

Learning Disability and Dementia

Watchman K (2016) Learning Disability and Dementia. Viewpoint, 01.2016. http://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/viewpoint/2015/10/learning-disability-and-dementia/

Other

Factsheet: Learning disabilities and dementia

Watchman K & Strydom A (2015) Factsheet: Learning disabilities and dementia. London: Alzheimer's Society. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?fileID=1763

Teaching

I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Education from the University of Edinburgh and am Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy with over fifteen years experience of developing, teaching and leading online, blended and distance learning Masters programmes.

As an experienced postgraduate supervisor, I work with Masters, PhD and Clinical Doctorate students. I am currently Module Leader for the modules below on the BSc Professional Practice and MSc Global ageing programmes (online).

Teaching

Health and wellbeing of people with dementia NURU307

An integrated approach to frailty NURP014

Research programmes

Research centres/groups

Research themes