World Alzheimer's Month 2023 aims to reduce risk and extend support

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

September is World Alzheimers Month and a chance to support people and their whānau living with dementia.

The theme for 2023 is “never too early, never too late” to emphasise what people can do as individuals to reduce their risk.

“Dementia (mate wareware) is one of our country’s biggest health care challenges,” said Alzheimers Tairāwhiti manager Tracy Robinson.

“It will only get bigger as our population continues to age, with more than a quarter of people projected to be older than 65 in the coming years.”

Ms Robinson is very excited about the events they have planned for the month.

The first is under way — the Spud in a Bucket competition. For an entry fee of $15 this is an easy way to support the local organisation but as Ms Robinson says, it is also a great way to introduce young people to the benefits of growing vegetables and healthy eating.

“Both of these are simple actions that can help reduce your risk of developing dementia. While there there is no cure for Alzheimers and dementia, you can reduce your risk and the younger you start the better.”

The risk reduction list includes keeping active, checking your hearing, staying connected, avoiding knocks to the head, doing activities you enjoy, eating well and looking after your heart.

“For those wanting to hear more about this advice, there is an educational seminar on September 14 from 10.30am to 12.00pm. Registrations are $10 and can be made by phoning Alzheimers Gisborne/Tairāwhiti on 06 867 0752.

“Further to that, there is an opportunity for anyone to be engaged at a national level by enrolling in a one-day webinar, on September 21, called Repositioning Dementia.

“This event will include a political panel which will be one of the last chances to ask politicians any questions before the General Election. Registrations and the link to this can be found on the Alzheimers NZ website, www.alzheimers.org.nz, or email your registration directly to alzheimers@verve.co.nz

September also marks Te Wiki o te reo Māori and to celebrate this, Alzheimers NZ is encouraging everybody to use the following hashtags on social media:

• #KauaepōhēhēheTōmuaRawa (#NeverTooEarly)

• #KauaepōhēhēheTōmuriRawa (#NeverTooLate)

• #WhakahekeateMōreaInāianei (#ReduceRiskNow)

Coming back to the local level, Alzheimers Gisborne Tairāwhiti will have a stand at this weekend’s Empower You event.

“We felt it was important that we be there as statistically, more women get dementia than men, Ms Robinson said.

“The research as to why this is the case is still in its early days but there are some clear indicators behind these figures. Find us at the Expo to learn more.

“In addition to this, the town clock is turning purple on World Alzheimers Day. And right beside the town clock the window in the Salvation Army Store will be ablaze with purple and featuring items made by the Sherwood Club.”

Ms Robinson hopes everyone will find a way to get involved this World Alzheimers Month 2023.