Frank’s Law campaigner Amanda Kopel is to receive an honorary degree from Dundee University.
Mrs Kopel said she was “overwhelmed” to be recognised for her efforts in campaigning for a change in the law in her late husband’s name.
The Kirriemuir campaigner wants to close a loophole that means people suffering from degenerative diseases have to pay for home care because they are under 65.
She launched the campaign after watching her husband, Dundee United legend Frank, battle dementia for six years.
Mrs Kopel said: “I am absolutely over the moon to be receiving this award.
“To be recognised by Dundee University is overwhelming and extremely humbling.
“To receive this award is such a great honour for me.
“I honestly don’t feel I have done anything special, but what I do know is that if the shoe had been on the other foot, my beautiful soul mate Frankie would have been fighting the same battle for me.”
Mrs Kopel’s husband Frank died in April 2014 having been diagnosed with dementia in 2009, when he was aged just 59.
He and his wife paid about £300 a week so he could have personal care in his Kirriemuir home because he did not reach the qualifying age for free services until weeks before his death.
Mrs Kopel is urging ministers to close the loophole a bid The Courier is backing.
Progress was made on the road to Frank’s Law in January when Scottish Government ministers gave councils £6 million to raise the threshold at which people begin to pay for care at home.
Mrs Kopel added: “Never ever when I began the campaign away back in June 2013 did I want any praise, accolades or awards.
“I just wanted to raise the awareness about the age discrimination against the under 65s and also that dementia was not just a disease of the elderly, as Frankie and I found to our cost.
“It is so bittersweet, because the one person I want to share this wonderful news is not beside me, but I know he is watching.”
Dundee University principal and vice-chancellor Sir Pete Downes said Mrs Kopel’s selfless work had placed the issue “at the heart of a national conversation and raised awareness of dementia generally”.