Update on Brain Health Month from Dementia Canterbury
Tēnā koe 2023 is off to a flying start and we are incredibly grateful to you - our community - for getting behind the various brain health events and fundraisers for our March Brain Health Month. E mihi ana ki a koutou!
With exercise playing a crucial role in brain health, we started the month off with our annual Walk for Dementia. It was an excellent opportunity to get together with friends and whānau and promote physical well-being. Last week we were proud to host our 2023 Brain Health Symposium in Ōtautahi-Christchurch, which showcased the latest research from leading experts across the globe. Rounding off Brain Health Month is our Charity Golf Day coming up on Friday 31st March.
We have also enjoyed following the progress of a couple of brave supporters cycling the length of Aotearoa and another running in the Port Hills to tautoko-support people with Mate Wareware-Dementia this month, in alignment with the national Steps for Dementia campaign.
Our supporters make it possible for us to keep our services accessible for local people and whānau. Two-thirds of Dementia Canterbury’s funding comes from the community and the people we support are reliant on donations to access our specialised education.
Can you help us continue to deliver accessible brain health education?
Donate now online to support Dementia Canterbury. You can also email admin[at]dementiacanterbury.org.nz to kōrero about partnership opportunities.
Taking care of your brain health through exercise, diet, sleep, social activities and more, lowers your risk of cognitive decline and Mate Wareware. One study shows that just by exercising regularly throughout life, your risk of cognitive decline is reduced by 45%! And for those living with Dementia, maintaining brain health is just as important. Cognitive stimulation supports people to live life well with their condition.
Brain health is central to the education we provide across Canterbury and the West Coast, and for people like Peter and Judy, this education makes a huge difference as they navigate their journey with Dementia as a whānau.
After joining the Living Well with Dementia course, Judy says she felt more encouraged about what was to come.
“Lee (the Educator) made it fun, was matter of fact and we had lots of jokes. I felt better after getting all the information.” While Judy was in her course, Peter was next door taking part in education for carers. He says this helped him understand how the disease might progress for Judy and gave him useful, practical techniques for coping.
There are thousands of people like Peter and Judy who access our specialised education services.
Donate now to help us maintain Mate Wareware education across Canterbury and the West Coast.
We look forward to seeing many of you at our events across March. Thank you again for being part of the Dementia Canterbury community.
Ngā mihi nui
Darral Campbell
Chief Executive of Dementia Canterbury.