Alain Dekker

Dr. Alain Dekker is a Lecturer-researcher at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, and Head of the Department of Practice-oriented Scientific Research at Alliade Care Group. His work focuses on intellectual disability care, with specialization in dementia—particularly Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with Down syndrome. He holds multiple roles including Treasurer of the Dementietafel Groningen Foundation and membership in the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune’s scientific board.

Education: Earned a cum laude PhD (2018) with the dissertation *Down & Alzheimer: behavioral biomarkers of a forced marriage*, awarded the Wierenga-Rengerink Dissertation Prize.

Research Interests: Dementia in intellectual disabilities, caregiving interventions, dysphagia, sleep apnea, and methodological frameworks for disability care. His work bridges clinical practice and scientific research, emphasizing evidence-based practices.

Key Publications: Includes the *De Grote Methodiekengids* (2024), a definitive guide to psychosocial care methods, and validation studies on dementia assessment scales for Down syndrome populations. Recent work focuses on diagnostic tools for dementia in severe intellectual disabilities.

Awards: BCN Dissertation Award (2019), KNG Van Swinderen Prize (2018), and ECNP Travel Award (2016).

Grants & Advising: Leads projects on dementia care innovation, collaborating with national and international organizations. Advises on long-term care guidelines and contributes to policy through roles in SKILZ and the Noordelijk Platform Gehandicaptenzorg.

Labs/Teams: Oversees Alliade’s practice-oriented research unit, integrating clinical insights with academic rigor.