Finley hosts dementia talk

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Phil Couchman, Louise Hallinan, Jenny McAllister, Alison Lueft, Nola Pinnuck and Ben Levesque at an Unlocking Hope presentation put on by the Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance.

Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance is hosting its next presentation on the holistic treatment of patients with dementia or memory loss in Finley tomorrow.

Residents from throughout the region are invited to attend and listen to the presentation by Associate Professor Alam Yoosuff.

The event aims to educate guests on the broader impacts of dementia on family and friends of loved ones with the condition.

Associate Professor Yoosuff will speak at the event about his holistic approach to understanding dementia.

Chairperson Nola Pinnuck, of the Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance, said the event is aimed at providing the community with “a broader understanding of what dementia is and being able to recognise it”.

“It’s all about getting people to come and ask questions,” Ms Pinnuck said.

But, as anyone who has known somebody with dementia is aware, sometimes it’s a difficult subject to discuss.

“It’s an emotional area, especially if it’s a couple with only one with the condition,” Ms Pinnuck said.

Attendance at last year’s information session with guest speaker Associate Professor Yoosuff exceeded the alliance’s expectations.

With at least 160 local residents attending the event, Ms Pinnuck said many people had questions.

“We want it so that next generations openly recognise it and have the skills to look after their loved one,” she said.

Since 2019, the alliance has raised awareness in the community around the impacts of dementia.

Each month, the alliance facilitates information sessions featuring guest speakers addressing different aspects of dementia.

This week’s event is the 10th event the alliance has organised this year.

The presentation will be held at the Finley Returned Soldiers Club tomorrow. Doors open at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.

Those interested are asked to RSVP for the event to 5883 9600.