H.M. The Queen awards KI-trained dementia specialists
On September 2, 2025, seven physicians, five occupational therapists, and five physiotherapists were awarded diplomas by H.M. The Queen during a formal ceremony at Drottningholm Court Theatre. The ceremony marked the completion of the Master's courses in dementia care developed by Karolinska Institutet in close collaboration with Stiftelsen Silviahemmet. The participants may now use the titles Silvia Physician, Silvia Occupational Therapist, and Silvia Physiotherapist.
In his speech, Martin Bergö, vice president of Karolinska Institutet, emphasized the long-standing and successful collaboration between KI and Silviahemmet in developing educational programmes for professionals who work with patients with dementia:
"We are extremely pleased with the collaboration between Silviahemmet and KI, which enables us to continue spreading knowledge about dementia to healthcare and social care professionals,” said Martin Bergö.
The education strengthens the professional role
One of the graduates was David Bardens, a specialist in general medicine working at a memory clinic. He described the significance the education has had for his professional practice:
“Receiving a diagnosis of a cognitive disease turns life upside down. In such a moment, it becomes crucial to meet professionals who combine medical knowledge and expertise with the ability to see the person behind the diagnosis. The education has given us greater confidence in our professional roles, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated.“
First Norwegian Silvia physiotherapist graduated
This year also marked the graduation of the first Norwegian Silvia physiotherapist, Kristina Ausen Engen, who works as a physiotherapist in the municipality of Sør-Odal, Norway.
“Today, we are five physiotherapists who have had the opportunity over two years to acquire evidence-based knowledge in physiotherapy and dementia. This unique opportunity enables us to meet the needs of people living with dementia and improve their quality of life,” said Kristina Ausen Engen during her speech.
Scholarships from the Swedish Alzheimer’s Association made studies possible
Some of the graduates had also received educational scholarships from the Swedish Alzheimer’s Association (Demensförbundet), something Martin Bergö specifically highlighted in his speech.
“Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Swedish Alzheimer’s Association, which has generously supported some of the participants with educational scholarships, thereby making it possible for them to pursue our Master's courses,” he said.