Kevin Quaid Biography

Kevin Quaid is 62 years old and married to Helena. He was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s just over 11 years ago, and later also diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.

He is the current Chair of the Irish Dementia Working Group, the  Chair of the European Working Group of People With Dementia and on the Board of Alzheimer Europe. He is the Co-founder of Lewy Body Ireland. Kevin is also a member of the Dementia Research Advisory Team as well as Dementia Trials Ireland.

He is very involved in various research projects, not just in Ireland but also across Europe as an Expert by Experience and is the author of two books about Lewy body dementia. His first book was ‘Lewy Body Dementia Survival and Me’, his second book was ‘I am KEVIN not Lewy’ and he is now writing his third book.

Kevin is a motivational speaker and talks about becoming your own leader and looking for and finding the positives and passion in your life. He has spoken at many conferences internationally, as well as in Ireland, and for many sports organisations and companies.

In 2022, Kevin was presented with ‘The Presidential Award’ from Longford International College Ireland, for “his outstanding achievements in bringing awareness of Lewy Body Dementia not just in Ireland but globally too” and in November 2023, Kevin was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by the Rushford College and the Longford International College.

As member of the Disability Users Group and designated representative of people with invisible disabilities, Kevin provides regular training to Irish Rail staff to raise awareness and improve support for people with dementia and other hidden disabilities. Kevin is keen to challenge myths, misconceptions and stigma surrounding disability so as to improve the quality of life of people with dementia and other disabilities.