Northern Beaches Council is hosting four free community forums for people who wish to learn more about recent developments in dementia prevention research on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 May.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said Alzheimer’s is the second leading cause of death in Australia.

“In recent years sufficient scientific research has shown that successful reversal of cognitive decline may be possible.

“These community forums provide an opportunity for Northern Beaches residents to get practical advice on ways to reverse Alzheimer’s, which focus on dietary guidance, physical activities, cognitive training and social activities.” Mayor Regan said.

If you want to learn more about dementia prevention and how to stay sharp and prevent memory loss as we age, come along and hear presentations from a panel of highly expert speakers including:

- Professor Susan Kurrle: Professor in Health Care of Older People with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney. Professor Kurrle has a longstanding interest in the diagnosis and management of dementia and has developed memory clinics.

- Associate Professor Lee-Fay Low: Associate Professor in Ageing and Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. Professor Low is a registered psychologist with a PhD in psychiatric epidemiology.

 - Dr Pratishtha Chatterjee: Postdoctoral research fellow at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University. Dr. Chatterjee’s research investigates detection and treatment strategies for preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.

- Professor Sharon Naismith: Head of the Healthy Brain Ageing Program at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Professor Naismith’s work focuses on the neuropsychiatric features of dementia and clinical interventions for cognitive decline.

- Paddye Parnell, Dementia Australia: Dementia Australia is the peak advocacy body supporting people with dementia, their families and carers, providing support services, education and information

- Dr Dave Jenkins: - Medical Director of End Alzheimers. Dr Jenkins’s main work and mission is to dramatically improve the screening, prevention and treatment for all people with cognitive decline.

The forums will be held at Balgowlah RSL, Dee Why RSL, Avalon Recreation Centre and Forestville Memorial Hall.  

While free, bookings are essential by either telephoning the Community Development Officer on 9942 2619 or emailing CommunityAgedServices@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

For more information about the forums visit northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au