End of an era

Health NZ – Canterbury’s Dr Matthew Croucher and former Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall explore diagnosis from a clinician’s perspective this World Alzheimers Month. Explore why a diagnosis is so important, some of the barriers people may face and cut through some of the noise around biomarkers and other tests for dementia mate wareware. We’ll follow this podcast up with a second part around diagnosis from a lived experience perspective. Please note this episode was recorded on 23 July.

Dr Matthew Croucher and former Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall and reflect on the decade long journey of the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan. This was led by a kaitiaki group made up of Alzheimers NZ, Dementia Foundation NZ, Dementia NZ and the Mate Wareware Advisory Rōpū with comprehensive input from across the sector. The Action Plan sets out a roadmap for action by government and health services to address the dementia mate wareware challenge over the coming years. Resources New Zealand Framework for Dementia Care Reach out to your local Alzheimers or Dementia organisation

Alzheimers NZ Lived Experience Advisory Group Chair Fiona Parrant and Te Aka Matua o te Ture Law Commissioner Geof Shirtcliffe explore the Law Commission’s recent review of the adult decision-making capacity law. We believe people with dementia have the right to make their own decisions with the appropriate level of support needed for them to do so. Find out more about the review, why it is so important and what it means in real life. You can read the review of adult decision-making capacity law report and the Dementia Declaration online.

Emeritus Distinguished Professor Cliff Abraham and Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall reflect on the last 40 years or so in neurological research, as he retires. From unintentionally building a life in Aotearoa New Zealand to being at the forefront of local breakthroughs – this podcast is a fascinating insight into the collaborations and advancements Cliff has been part of.

Alzheimers Taranaki Manager Helen Frank is joined by a very special guest – Corey Barrett, a high school student whose dad, Tim, was diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia in 2021. Corey is just finishing high school and wrote some heartwarming poems about their jouney, which you can find online. While we know there will be others in his situation, it must be especially tough living with this diagnosis at such a young age. The Barrett whānau has shared their journey with Alzheimers NZ previously and today we hear from Corey’s perspective.