Sjacko Sobczak

Dr. Sjacko Sobczak serves as a Lecturer in Dementia, Mental Health and Behaviour at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the Healthcare Innovation Knowledge Center. She concurrently works as a geriatric psychiatrist at Mondriaan and as a senior researcher at Maastricht University. Nationally recognized as a leading figure in traumatic stress in people with dementia, she initiated and leads the global collaboration ON TRACK within the Global Collaboration on Traumatic Stress (GCTS).

Dr. Sobczak's research primarily focuses on traumatic stress in older adults with dementia, examining diagnostic challenges, treatment approaches, and the cognitive implications of PTSD in this population. Her work bridges clinical practice and academic research, with particular emphasis on developing better diagnostic tools and treatment protocols for dementia patients experiencing trauma-related symptoms. She has launched significant initiatives including 'Geriatric Psychiatry Week' in 2023 and serves on the National Scientific Council for Dementia and Very Serious Behavioral Problems (DZEP) since 2023.

Her extensive publication record demonstrates a clear progression in the field, with recent articles (2024-2025) focusing on diagnostic accuracy of PTSD assessment in older adults, cognitive impacts of PTSD, and innovative treatment approaches including EMDR therapy. The publications reveal a strong emphasis on systematic reviews and collaborative research efforts to establish evidence-based practices in this specialized area.

• Board member of the Geriatric Psychiatry Department of the Dutch Association for Psychiatry (NVvP) since 2022
• Member of National Scientific Council for Dementia and Very Serious Behavioral Problems (DZEP) since 2023
• Leader of global collaboration ON TRACK within GCTS
• Principal investigator for multiple research projects including GLISTENING, RESOUND, TRACE, and TRAUMA TESTAMENT

Dr. Sobczak actively collaborates with various healthcare institutions including Argos Zorggroep, tanteLouise, Mondriaan, and Altrecht. Her work connects closely with educational programs at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, particularly the Bachelor's program in Nursing and related minors. She regularly engages with students through academic projects and graduation research within her research group.