Renowned expert appointed inaugural Chair of Dementia 

Curtin University and Dementia Australia are have announced the appointment of an inaugural Chair of Dementia — Professor Blossom Stephan.

Professor Bronwyn Myers, the Director of Curtin University’s enAble Institute — a research collaborative focused on enabling individuals living with physical and mental health needs or facing the challenges of ageing — said the creation of a Chair of Dementia would promote a dedicated focus on dementia and dementia research in Australia.

“Improving how we diagnose, treat and care for those living with dementia is critical to helping Australians age well,” Myers said.

“Professor Stephan is a highly respected global expert in dementia and dementia research, and her appointment as the inaugural Chair of Dementia presents exciting opportunities for dementia care in Australia.”

Stephan is Professor of Neuroepidemiology and Global Ageing at the University of Nottingham. She leads a program of research on dementia risk prediction and risk reduction in high-, low- and middle-income countries, and was also the Deputy Director of the only National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Group focused on dementia.

As the Chair of Dementia for Curtin University and Dementia Australia, Stephan will create and drive an ambitious research program in the prevention, detection and care of dementia across Australia, draw new researchers into the dementia research space, and increase opportunities for national and international collaboration. Stephan will be based at Curtin University in Perth.

“The creation of a Chair of Dementia presents an extraordinary opportunity — for dementia research, and for education and support for people living with dementia, their families and carers,” Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said.

Dementia Australia provides information, education and services for Australians living with dementia and those involved in their care, and is the peak advocacy organisation for dementia in Australia and a supporter of vital research through the Dementia Australia Research Foundation.

“We are extremely excited by the leadership and opportunities Professor Stephan brings to this role. Where similar positions have been created for other health conditions, we have seen positive advancements — and we are confident the same will occur for dementia,” McCabe said.

Stephan said she is honoured by this appointment, which will provide national and international leadership in dementia, translate research into practice to improve quality of care for people living with dementia, and build the profile of dementia in universities and related institutions through collaborations and an increase in PhD candidates and early-career researchers in this field.

“Australia has so many incredible dementia researchers and scientists. I look forward to seeing this harnessed even further through greater collaboration — both nationally and internationally,” Stephan said.

Curtin University and Dementia Australia are particularly proud of the focus the Chair of Dementia will bring to the voice of people impacted by dementia.

“The insights of those living with dementia and the 1.5 million Australians involved in their care is critical to enabling and delivering better research, education and support,” McCabe said.

“A key role of the Chair of Dementia is to further elevate the voice of the consumer in dementia research, and ensure programs and services are informed by their experiences and needs.”

Image caption: Prof Bronwyn Myers, Professor Blossom Stephan and Maree McCabe AM. Image: Supplied