Jennifer Carson Ph.D., Director of the Dementia Engagement, Education, and Research (DEER) Program is the 2022 recipient of the Laura Joyner Award. Gifted by the , the is given to recognize outstanding work in the area of preventing the loss of human intelligence.
In October 2018, the School of Public Health launched DEER Program, under the leadership and direction of Carson, a critical gerontologist who is internationally recognized for her award-winning dementia education programs for professional and family care partners. Carson’s work and the DEER Program are centered around promoting brain health and supporting the well-being of people living with dementia, as well as their care partners. “While the DEER Program promotes practical lifestyle strategies to protect brain health, our work also encourages people to value all of the qualities and expressions that make us human,” said Carson. While Carson emphasizes what a surprise and honor it is to receive such an award, she attributes this success to the DEER Program team and their many collaborators, “It is an honor that I share with my colleagues and partners, including people living with dementia who have contributed greatly to this shared work. The DEER Program’s core value of participation opens a world of possibilities.”
Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci of the School of Public Health congratulates Carson and the DEER Program, “This is a huge accomplishment and a well-deserved award for Dr. Carson and the DEER Program. I’m so proud of their accomplishments which continue to educate and provide resources for our community impacted by dementia.”
The DEER Program leads a number of community-based initiatives which are guided by participatory action research and dialogue education such as the initiative, which aims to develop and promote communities that are respectful, educated, supportive, and inclusive of people living with dementia and their care partners. To learn more about the DEER Program and the strides they’re making to provide knowledge, opportunities, and resources for people living with dementia and care partners, we encourage you to explore the DEER Program webpage.
