September is World Alzheimer’s Month and a time to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. September 2019 will mark the 8th World Alzheimer’s Month. 

During September the Foundation is providing free public lectures with an update on some of the latest research in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and a particular focus on some lifestyle changes that may reduce our dementia risk. Whilst there is nothing we can do about our genetics or our age, we can take steps that can have a significant impact on reducing our risk of getting this disease.

  • Engage in mentally stimulating activities
  • Maintain frequent and diverse social contacts
  • Manage weight and heart health due to their strong link
  • Get more exercise which has been shown to be protective against cognitive decline
  • Don’t smoke
  • Seek help for depression
  • Reduce stress
  • Sleep well 
  • Eat a Mediterranean diet 

Alzheimer’s disease is usually seen as an older person’s disease, but harmful processes can occur in the brain for several decades before symptoms appear. This means now is the best time to take action to reduce your risk and what better time to get started than in World Alzheimer’s Month.

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce two ‘new’ members to the Foundation’s Board, Rod O’Dea and Tim Andrew. Rod O’Dea joined the Foundation in 2018 and has taken on the role of Treasurer and Chairman of the Foundation’s Future Fund. Rod has worked in the financial services sector since 1985, across a wide range of areas including banking, funds management and investments.

Tim joined the board in mid-2019 and is a Chartered Accountant and former state hockey champion. Tim is a specialist in financial risk
management and investment, and is currently Head of Office at UBS Australia Perth.

Our supporters and followers are an integral part of our journey towards an Alzheimer’s free world. Thank you all for your support which enables us to continue the much needed research into this debilitating disease.

Please see the Calendar of Events in this Newsletter for information on how to RSVP to attend one of our free public lectures on Alzheimer’s disease research. We’d love to see you there.

Liza Dunne 

CEO

Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation