Stephanie Ward

Dr Stephanie Ward is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) within the School of Psychiatry at UNSW Sydney. She holds a clinical appointment as a staff specialist in geriatric medicine at The Prince of Wales Hospital. Her primary role involves leading the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) Clinical Quality Registry, a national initiative aimed at improving dementia care through data-driven quality improvements. Dr Ward’s research focuses on dementia risk factors, intergenerational programs, and sleep apnea’s impact on brain aging.

She completed a BMed, FRACP (Geriatric Medicine), and MPH (Harvard University). Her work bridges clinical practice and research, with a strong emphasis on translational outcomes. Key projects include the ASPREE longitudinal study and the Intergenerational Integration Initiative, which evaluates intergenerational preschool programs involving older adults.

Her research interests span dementia prevention, cognitive impairment mechanisms, and leveraging clinical registries to enhance trial recruitment. She has contributed to over 85 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on aging-related health challenges. Dr Ward is also engaged in public health advocacy, including her role on the award-winning ABC series “Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.”

Professional networks include NHMRC-funded collaborations and leadership in ADNeT’s multidisciplinary team. She advocates for dementia care improvements through data-driven strategies and intergenerational initiatives aimed at enriching aging experiences.