Stepping up for memories: Dementia Australia's initiative takes strides for a cause
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As the sun rises over Burswood Park on the morning of May 26, the serene landscape will transform into a hive of activity as walkers gather for a meaningful cause.
With each step, they embark on a journey not only to promote physical health but also to support a cause close to many hearts.
The atmosphere is one of unity and purpose as participants lace up their shoes, ready to make a difference in their community.
Hundreds of West Australians are gearing up to participate in Dementia Australia’s Memory Walk and Jog, the nation's premier event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for dementia—a condition that has touched many lives nationwide.
The Memory Walk and Jog is a testament to the power of community and the spirit of resilience. With an expected turnout of around 900 participants, the event is a vibrant display of solidarity.
Whether you choose to walk 3km, run 4km, or challenge yourself with a 9km run, each step taken is a step towards making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
The courses, designed to loop around the picturesque part of the Swan River, offer participants not only a chance to exercise but also to reflect on the beauty of our natural surroundings and the importance of maintaining cognitive and physical health.
The impact of this event is tangible, with more than $111,000 already raised to support Dementia Australia's crucial work.
These funds are directed towards invaluable resources such as information dissemination, education, and support services, including counselling and therapy sessions that can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with dementia and their families.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and it's a condition that doesn't discriminate, affecting individuals and families across all walks of life.
In Western Australia alone, around 40,000 people are living with this debilitating disease. It's a stark reminder that dementia is not just a personal struggle but a societal challenge that requires our collective action and empathy.
Dr Kaele Stokes, Dementia Australia's Executive Director of Services, Advocacy, and Research, emphasised the widespread impact of dementia.
‘There’s not many parts of our community that aren’t affected by dementia, because either we’re going to develop it ourselves or someone in our family or friendship circle might develop it,’ she explained.
‘Because it’s a progressive cognitive decline, it means that for the individual affected, their ability to engage within their own environment changes over a period of time, so they might start to lose memory functions, they might start to lose the ability to undertake normal day to day activities…those sorts of things can be really fundamentally affected.’
‘It ultimately leads to ongoing cognitive decline, so it does get to a point where people are generally unable to support themselves in their own communities and require increasing levels of care which is a significant challenge for them, but also for family members and for the communities that are caring for them, too,’ Dr Stokes added.
This year, the Memory Walk and Jog event will take place in six other Australian towns and cities, such as Adelaide, Ballarat, and Bendigo.
Before the year ends, Gold Coast, Redcliffe, Sydney, and Uluru will also host the event.
‘The funds that are raised through our memory, walking jobs, go to providing services and support to people living with dementia around the country,’ Dr Stokes reported.
‘It’s also a really lovely opportunity for people to come together…we hear people say that they love coming to the events because they can talk to other like-minded people.’
‘They can share experiences and realise that what they’re going through, which feels very isolating in the moment, is actually quite common…there’s a there’s a sense of camaraderie and and shared experience that can come out of the event as well, which is a really lovely part of all of this coming together,’ she continued.
Additional details are available on their website for those who are interested in joining or showing support in other ways.
As participants lace up their shoes and prepare to embark on Dementia Australia's Memory Walk at Burswood Park, the focus on raising awareness and supporting those affected by dementia is palpable.
This event not only promotes physical activity but also serves as a platform to educate individuals on the importance of dementia prevention and early detection.
For individuals interested in learning more about dementia prevention strategies, lifestyle tips, and recognising warning signs, a comprehensive guide provided by medical experts offers invaluable insights and resources.
What are your thoughts about Dementia Australia’s initiative? What advice would you give to people who want to minimise their risk of developing the disease? Share your insights and suggestions in the comments below.
With each step, they embark on a journey not only to promote physical health but also to support a cause close to many hearts.
The atmosphere is one of unity and purpose as participants lace up their shoes, ready to make a difference in their community.
Hundreds of West Australians are gearing up to participate in Dementia Australia’s Memory Walk and Jog, the nation's premier event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for dementia—a condition that has touched many lives nationwide.
The Memory Walk and Jog is a testament to the power of community and the spirit of resilience. With an expected turnout of around 900 participants, the event is a vibrant display of solidarity.
Hundreds will gather at Burswood Park for the Memory Walk and Jog, raising funds for Dementia Australia. Credits: Dementia Australia
Whether you choose to walk 3km, run 4km, or challenge yourself with a 9km run, each step taken is a step towards making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
The courses, designed to loop around the picturesque part of the Swan River, offer participants not only a chance to exercise but also to reflect on the beauty of our natural surroundings and the importance of maintaining cognitive and physical health.
The impact of this event is tangible, with more than $111,000 already raised to support Dementia Australia's crucial work.
These funds are directed towards invaluable resources such as information dissemination, education, and support services, including counselling and therapy sessions that can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with dementia and their families.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and it's a condition that doesn't discriminate, affecting individuals and families across all walks of life.
In Western Australia alone, around 40,000 people are living with this debilitating disease. It's a stark reminder that dementia is not just a personal struggle but a societal challenge that requires our collective action and empathy.
Dr Kaele Stokes, Dementia Australia's Executive Director of Services, Advocacy, and Research, emphasised the widespread impact of dementia.
‘There’s not many parts of our community that aren’t affected by dementia, because either we’re going to develop it ourselves or someone in our family or friendship circle might develop it,’ she explained.
‘Because it’s a progressive cognitive decline, it means that for the individual affected, their ability to engage within their own environment changes over a period of time, so they might start to lose memory functions, they might start to lose the ability to undertake normal day to day activities…those sorts of things can be really fundamentally affected.’
‘It ultimately leads to ongoing cognitive decline, so it does get to a point where people are generally unable to support themselves in their own communities and require increasing levels of care which is a significant challenge for them, but also for family members and for the communities that are caring for them, too,’ Dr Stokes added.
This year, the Memory Walk and Jog event will take place in six other Australian towns and cities, such as Adelaide, Ballarat, and Bendigo.
Before the year ends, Gold Coast, Redcliffe, Sydney, and Uluru will also host the event.
‘The funds that are raised through our memory, walking jobs, go to providing services and support to people living with dementia around the country,’ Dr Stokes reported.
‘It’s also a really lovely opportunity for people to come together…we hear people say that they love coming to the events because they can talk to other like-minded people.’
‘They can share experiences and realise that what they’re going through, which feels very isolating in the moment, is actually quite common…there’s a there’s a sense of camaraderie and and shared experience that can come out of the event as well, which is a really lovely part of all of this coming together,’ she continued.
Additional details are available on their website for those who are interested in joining or showing support in other ways.
As participants lace up their shoes and prepare to embark on Dementia Australia's Memory Walk at Burswood Park, the focus on raising awareness and supporting those affected by dementia is palpable.
This event not only promotes physical activity but also serves as a platform to educate individuals on the importance of dementia prevention and early detection.
For individuals interested in learning more about dementia prevention strategies, lifestyle tips, and recognising warning signs, a comprehensive guide provided by medical experts offers invaluable insights and resources.
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