Annette Plantinga

Dr. Annette Plantinga serves as a lecturer-researcher in Nursing at the Health & Welfare Academy of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. She recently earned recognition for her groundbreaking research in dementia care, receiving her PhD in November 2024 and subsequently winning the prestigious Alzheimer Netherlands Dissertation Award 2025.

Her research focuses on improving dementia care in hospital settings through person-centered approaches and shared decision-making processes. Dr. Plantinga investigates the experiences of people with dementia, their families, and nurses during hospital admissions, developing practical tools to assess and enhance care quality. Her work bridges academic research with immediate clinical application, translating complex dementia care challenges into concrete, implementable recommendations for healthcare professionals.

Dr. Plantinga's scientific achievements were recognized with the Alzheimer Netherlands Dissertation Award 2025, where she was selected from five finalists. The jury particularly praised her dissertation's strong summary and introduction, descriptive language free of unnecessary jargon, and well-summarized conclusions. The award included a certificate and cash prize for career development, which she plans to use for implementation-focused coursework.

Dr. Plantinga has expressed her mission to improve care for people with dementia both in hospitals and at home. She has already submitted a request for follow-up research, demonstrating her commitment to advancing this critical field of healthcare. Her work contributes significantly to Sustainable Development Goals including Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Reduced Inequalities.