Join us for ‘Understanding Dementia’
On average, it takes three and a half years from the moment someone first notices memory impairment to when they receive a formal diagnosis of dementia. To bridge this critical gap, the Waiheke Health Trust is hosting a free community information evening this November. Titled Understanding Dementia: Knowledge, Hope and Community Solutions, the event will take place on Wednesday 4 November, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Waiheke High School.
What the Evening Will Cover
The session aims to dismantle the stigma and confusion surrounding memory loss. Attendees will gain insight into:
Warning signs and distinguishing normal ageing from cognitive decline.
The different types and stages of dementia.
Pathways to diagnosis and latest treatment options.
Identifying risks and how to slow them down.
On-island services and support systems for caregivers.
Meet the Expert Panel
Former Local Board Chair Cath Handley will moderate a robust panel of local and national experts, including:
Erica Wright, Nurse Practitioner at Ostend Medical Centre.
Kristin Taylor, Dementia Educator from Dementia North.
Hannah McQueen (CEO) and Dr Cheryl Johnson (Geriatrician), both from Age Brightly.
Linda Burroughs, a Waiheke resident sharing her lived experience caring for a partner with dementia.
Empowering the Community
A key message of the evening is that memory loss is a symptom, not a final diagnosis. "Globally published research has found that 23% of people referred for memory concerns have a potentially reversible cause," explains Age Brightly CEO Hannah McQueen. These treatable conditions include vitamin deficiencies, sleep apnoea, hearing loss, depression, and medication interactions.
Nurse Practitioner Erica Wright notes that global research on prevention has evolved significantly over the last decade. Rather than waiting for things to worsen, the event focuses on early intervention, risk factors, and advance care planning.
Whether you are noticing changes in yourself, supporting an ageing parent, caring for a partner, or simply interested in healthy ageing, this honest and practical conversation is for you.
Event Details
When: Wednesday 4 November, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, with local providers available from 6pm to chat about their programmes
Where: Waiheke High School
Cost: Free
How to Book: Call Ostend Medical Centre on 09 372 5005 or email reception@ostendmedical.co.nz to secure your seat.