02/05/2025
It's been almost 9 years since Imelda's husband Graham died with dementia. It was that devastating loss that spurred Imelda, from Helensburgh near Wollongong in NSW, into donating her time for dementia research.
Over the years, she's participated in everything from short surveys to longer in-depth interviews and more. In fact, Imelda was part of StepUp for Research's original founding team and continues to volunteer her time as a research participant in her husband's memory.
"My husband wanted to make a difference for people who would travel this dementia journey long after he was gone - my contribution of time and talent is his legacy," she says.
For Imelda, dementia research goes beyond headline breakthroughs.
"Of course (my hope is) that a genuine breakthrough will emerge, but also that researchers will remember that thousands of people can benefit if they discover ways to make the dementia journey easier, both for people with dementia and especially for their carers," she says.
Imelda is sharing her story to help encourage others to consider getting involved in dementia research via the StepUp for Research website. We currently have 47 studies recruiting for the participants they need to go ahead.
Please encourage people you know to sign up today at www.stepupfordementiaresearch.org.au
