The NHMRC National Institute of Dementia Research commences its Public Lecture Tour 2017 during Brain Awareness Week with stops around the country throughout March and April 2017.
Starting in Sydney on Wednesday 15 March 2017 for the official launch, the tour will provide an insider snapshot at the current state of dementia research in Australia, the work of the institute and the international perspective on dementia research.
“The national tour will feature two of the world’s leading names in dementia research and advocacy; and provide an exclusive look into the issues we face in dealing with a growing health concern for Australians,” said Ms Janice Besch, Director, NNIDR.
“With over 413,000 people living with dementia, we need to address this and research is key to making a breakthrough. I strongly encourage the community to attend to attain a better understanding of dementia and the invaluable work being undertaken through research to address this issue.”
The free tour will feature 2016 Ryman Prize winner, Professor Henry Brodaty AO, Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), UNSW Sydney who says there is hope through research and will be using this tour to share that knowledge.
“I am delighted to be able to provide an update to communities around Australia on the latest developments in dementia research and what people can do to limit their risk. We will cover the latest research on how to maintain a quality of life for people with dementia and their families,” said Professor Brodaty.
In Sydney and Canberra, Professor Brodaty will be joined by Alzheimer’s Association USA, CEO and President, Mr Harry Johns who is a world leader in dementia advocacy.
Mr Johns said that the value of a national approach to addressing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease not only has the potential to create the same success that has been demonstrated in the fights against other diseases, such as influenza and pneumonia, it allows governments to assess whether the nation is meeting the challenges of the condition, for people living with dementia, their families, for communities as well as the nation’s economy.
The NNIDR public lecture tour, supported by Alzheimer’s Australia and The Wicking Trust is part of Brain Awareness Week (March 13-19), which is the global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research including the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the brain.
Registration for these free events is essential.
For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.nnidr.gov.au/national-public-lecture-tour-2017
