Dementia Lakes

09/10/2025

🚀 “Every voyage is different, every passenger is a person travelling away from us.”

Roger cared for his wife Patte through her dementia journey. In his journal 'A Journey into Space', he shares their story with honesty and love – from early signs to life in care, and the small moments of connection that remain.

His words remind us that while dementia changes relationships, love and presence continue to light the way. 💛
Read more: https://dementia.nz/a-journey-into-space/

07/10/2025

Our friends at Dementia UK recently posted a video to their YouTube channel of a conversation between Tommy, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, and Andrew, the care partner for his mother, who has vascular dementia.

This is a candid conversation between two men about their respective dementia journeys. To quote Tommy, “Men don’t like talking about this”, so this is a refreshing conversation for these two men as each adapts to their situation.

🎬 Watch now:

Tommy lives with Alzheimer's disease. Andrew is the primary carer for his mother, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2020. In this candid pub conver...

02/10/2025

✨ Book Giveaway! ✨

We’re giving away copies of 'The Unexpected Journey' by Emma Heming Willis, thanks to HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand.

To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter!
👉 Enter here: https://dementia.nz/sign-up/

📖 Read our book review: https://dementia.nz/the-unexpected-journey-by-emma-heming-willis-2/

Entries close 5pm, Sunday 5th October.

30/09/2025

Early signs of dementia | mate wareware can be subtle. And for Asian, Māori, Pasifika, and other underserved communities, those signs often go unrecognised or misinterpreted – delaying diagnosis and limiting access to support. In fact, latest research from the University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau indicates 50% of all people with dementia go undiagnosed – most prevalent in Asian communities.

When we recognise the signs earlier, we can support the whole whānau better.

🔗 Learn more about the early signs of dementia and how you can connect to our local support services: https://dementia.nz/dementia-lakes/

28/09/2025

🧠 Two-thirds of people with Alzheimer’s Disease are women.

By age 45, a woman has a 1 in 5 chance of developing the disease. For men, it’s 1 in 10.

Why? Brain scans show menopause triggers neurological remodeling - changes that affect memory, mood, and long-term brain health.

Menopause isn’t just a reproductive transition. It’s a neurological one.

Learn more: https://dementia.nz/menopause-the-architect-of-a-new-brain-structure/

25/09/2025

✨ The Unexpected Journey by Emma Heming Willis Book Giveaway ✨

To enter the draw, simply sign up to receive our newsletters!
Enter now: www.dementia.nz/the-unexpected-journey-by-emma-heming-willis/
Entries close 5pm, Sunday 5th October.

Thank you HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand for generously donating the books.

23/09/2025

🧠 Did you know Frontotemporal Dementia makes up around 10% of all dementia cases?

Frontotemporal Dementia is a progressive brain condition that most often affects people between 45–65, damaging the frontal or temporal lobes. While there’s no cure, therapies can help manage symptoms.

Learn more about Frontotemporal Dementia: https://dementia.nz/frontotemporal-dementia/

21/09/2025

The Stranger By Jan Beaumont Poetry

I had a visitor today who knocked upon my door
I didn’t know just who she was, I’d not seen her before.

She seemed so pleased to see me as her smile was big and bright
I wondered just why she was there, for something seemed not right.

I asked her in to sit a while, to see just why she came
I felt it would be rude to say I didn’t know her name.

She seemed to know me well and was familiar with my home
I have to say it felt quite nice to not be all alone.

She made me tea with biscuits, knew where everything was kept
I felt a little guilty that I somehow seemed inept.

She brought a picture of her kids she couldn’t wait to share
And when she left the house I saw the photo was still there.

There was some writing on the back, I read it carefully
It said ‘We love you, Nana’ but it wasn’t meant for me.

For I do not have grandkids even though that would be great
By now I’m in my eighties so I think it’s far too late.

We had a lovely visit but I really didn’t know
Just who she was, or why she came and it disturbed me so.

She held my hand and smiled at me and said it was so nice
To spend a little time with me, then gave me this advice:

Play some music, for the sound will make the memories flow
Put on some sweet perfume and then right back in time you’ll go.

I tried hard to remember but my memory was unclear
Yet something deep inside me said that she was someone dear.

I still don’t know just who she was but I was glad she’d come
And, as she left, she held me close and whispered ‘Goodbye, Mum.’

20/09/2025

It's World Alzheimer's Awareness Day! 🧠 ❤️

September 21st every year is World Alzheimer’s Day around the world. This is an international campaign aimed at raising awareness and challenge the common stigma that surrounds Dementia.

Learn more about the Stigma against Dementia: https://dementia.nz/stigma-against-dementia/

18/09/2025

“Caregiving is complicated, heartbreaking, and transformative.” – Emma Heming Willis

When Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, Emma Heming Willis left the doctor’s office with nothing but a pamphlet - and an overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty.

Now, Emma joins Oprah Winfrey on The Oprah Podcast to talk about her new book 'The Unexpected Journey: Finding Hope and Purpose on the Caregiving Path'. It’s the book she says she wishes she had at the start of her family’s journey. This conversation is filled with honesty, hope, and strength for anyone touched by dementia or caregiving.

Watch the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMdp8Hh5Bks

17/09/2025

👓 Virtual reality isn’t just for gaming – it’s changing the way we care for people living with dementia.

Join us for an insightful webinar on how virtual reality (VR) is transforming dementia care. Discover how immersive experiences can support memory recall, cognitive stimulation, reduce anxiety, and enhance well-being.

📆 Friday, 17th October 2025
⏱ 10 am - 11am
💻 Online via Zoom
🎟 Carers/Whānau – FREE | Professionals – $50 (includes Certificate of Attendance)
👉 Book your ticket: https://dementia.nz/events/reality-reimagined-vr-for-memory-socialisation-and-connection/

Featuring expert speakers Simon Burrows and Dr. Jennifer Stamps (Rendever VR), hosted by Winifred Henderson, Senior Educator at Dementia New Zealand.

During this online webinar, we will cover:
▪ How can VR be helpful for people living with dementia and their caregivers?
▪ What are some real examples of VR in practice in New Zealand?
▪ What does the research say about VR in dementia care?
▪ What are the key considerations when using VR?

Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply curious about emerging technologies in elder care, this webinar offers valuable perspectives and practical takeaways. If you are unable to join on the day, a recording of the session will be available to all who are registered.

16/09/2025

“I wrote the book I wished someone had placed in my hands the day we got the diagnosis.” – Emma Heming Willis

✨ The Unexpected Journey by Emma Heming Willis Book Giveaway ✨

To enter the draw, simply sign up to receive our newsletters!
Enter now: www.dementia.nz/the-unexpected-journey-by-emma-heming-willis/
Entries close 5pm, Sunday 5th October.

Thank you HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand for generously donating the books.