All the events here are relevant to people working in dementia research. If you would like to add your own you can submit an event
Learning Disability and Dementia – Mind the Gap with Dr Karen Watchman
July 23 @ 10:00 am - 3:45 pm
Learning Disability and Dementia – Mind the Gap with Dr Karen Watchman
- Date: 23 July 2026
- Time: 10.00am – 3.45pm
- Venue: Brain Health Learning Centre, Alzheimer Scotland National Centre, 69 North Gyle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 8JY
- Number of places: 25
- Cost: £125.00
People with a learning disability are often said to “fall between services” after a diagnosis of dementia, with general dementia awareness training failing to meet their specific needs. This interactive, evidence-informed study day explores how dementia affects people with a learning disability and highlights key differences before, during, and after diagnosis. Taking a future-focused approach it sets out the knowledge and skills needed to support an ageing population of people with a learning disability and dementia.
What you will learn:
- Better understanding of how dementia may affect people with a learning disability and their families.
- Contribution to improved wellbeing of people with a learning disability before, during and after a dementia diagnosis.
- Enhanced recognition of how life-course planning can support preparation for an ageing population of people with a learning disability, some of whom will develop dementia.
Who is this study day for:
For professionals supporting people ageing with a learning disability and their families across a range of health and social care contexts. This may be direct support, managers or information providers in the following settings:
- learning disability organisations (e.g. supported living, residential care, personal support, day service, respite)
- care at home/domiciliary care/ care home
- charities/ third sector / campaign organisations
- advisory bodies and regulators
- commissioners and policy makers
More about Dr Karen Watchman:
Dr Karen Watchman began working alongside people with a learning disability as CEO of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, where she developed the first course on learning disabilities and dementia in the 1990s. Since then, she has continued to deliver award-winning, internationally recognised training for health and social care professionals.
Karen is also Professor of Ageing, Dementia and Frailty at the University of Stirling and Founder/CEO of SquarePeg training. She is an expert advisor to Alzheimer Europe and serves on the international committee of the National Task Group (NTG) on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices in the USA.
Registration and Payment Options
When registering for the study day, you can choose between two payment options to suit your needs:
Pay Now
Secure your place immediately by paying online at the time of booking. Payment can be made using a debit or credit card or PayPal.
You will receive a confirmation email and receipt straight away.
This is the quickest way to guarantee your place.
