University of Stirling dementia expert wins national award for outstanding work

A University of Stirling expert in dementia has won a prestigious Dementia Care Award for his outstanding contribution to the field.

David Wilson-Wynne, Senior Dementia Care Consultant with the University’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), won the Outstanding Contribution to Dementia category in the awards,  held in London last week. Judges described him as 'the disruptor' for his awareness-raising work over sometimes controversial topics.

David joined DSDC, an international centre for knowledge exchange and research impact dedicated to improving the lives of people with dementia, in 2023. His work has spanned clinical and non-clinical roles, including with a care home group and the Scottish Ambulance Service. 

While at Stirling, he has helped launch a dementia training module for nurses and paramedic science students which, for the first time in education, teaches students the importance of design and the environment in dementia care. 

David has also co-designed a training course for carers highlighting the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals with dementia, launched in March and also a first of its kind. 

He recently called for a radical change in dementia care, from person-centred to person-led care, to empower individuals with dementia, enhance their well-being and improve their quality of life.

The Dementia Care Awards judges said of David: "Known as ‘the disruptor,’ he fearlessly confronts taboo topics that others often avoid. His bold, candid approach and readiness to tackle difficult issues truly distinguish him in his field."

David, who was shortlisted with 11 other finalists in his category, said: "We can never be complacent in dementia care. We should always strive to identify and improve our practice, led by people living with a dementia. I would like to thank my friends, family and colleagues at DSDC and the wider University of Stirling, for supporting me, encouraging me and giving me the platform to not only help inform research, practice and teaching, but to also disrupt and to always look at ways of sustaining excellent quality care."

The Dementia Care Awards were launched last year to celebrate excellence in dementia care.

Read David Wilson-Wynne’s blog here: Why dementia care needs a new approach | Public policy blog