Dementia and Related Disorders Conference 2025
Friday, 26th September
9 am- 10 am Registration and morning tea
10 am – 3 pm Lectures, Workshops, Expo Stands
Lunch 12.30 pm – 1.25 pm
Mooloolaba TAFE
Morning tea and a light lunch are provided.
Attendance is FREE. Parking is easy as it is TAFE Vacation time.
Register on Trybooking
Contact: Lorrae carersoutlook@gmail.com
0418 298 183
The overwhelming force in dementia is the continual change an individual will experience, and its impact on family members and friends.
The brain is affected, so all of our human activities and functions will change.
There are many forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Fronto-temporal Dementia and Huntington’s Disease. Related disorders like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Down Syndrome, Acquired Brain Injury, stroke, heart attack, may show similar changes.
Changes in memory, thinking ability, personality, behaviour, communication, physical, eating, and sleep will occur during the course of the disease. The lessening of abilities means there will be an increase in dependence on support from family and staff until death.
This conference has been organized to give information, support, referrals, and a voice to those who are diagnosed with dementia, their family carers, and staff. It is a time to gather, to share and to network. We are extremely grateful that TAFE Mooloolaba has supported the local community with offering this venue for the Dementia Conference.
There is much to learn about these changes. The speakers and topics have been selected from listening to the needs of those on this journey.
Dementia is an emotional rollercoaster journey in which one may experience a range of feelings like loss, grief, and guilt, so the conference is a time to find meaning in your journey with others who understand.
Attendees may also experience enjoyment from music, art, singing, and lucky door prizes. Attendees may make new friends travelling on the same journey.
We aim for attendees to leave with their questions answered and feel connected with others who understand and can support them. We wish folk to feel a sense of hope, empowered with a sense of realism, and armed with resources to cope.
Speakers:
The brain is an amazing part of our body, controlling our nervous system. The lecturers and workshop leaders are highly respected in their fields, and we appreciate their generosity of time and knowledge.
Who better to explain the workings of the brain than a brain researcher? Associate Professor Victor Anggono, Qld Brain Institution, Uni of Qld is researching the inner workings of the brain and how brain cells communicate with each other. Geriatricians, Dr Sanmarie Duddridge and Dr Sam Hutson will give a better understanding of dementia and changes. Pharmacist, Julianna Neill will discuss medications and complementary treatments for these changes.
Young people (younger than 65 years of age) can also be diagnosed with dementia. Discussions with family carers of loved ones and researchers, Dr Maryam Ghahramani, Uni of Canberra and Professor Victoria Traynor, Uni of Sunshine Coast and others will share their insights into this age group.
Occupational Therapist, Leah Dillon from Ramsay Health, Selangor Hospital, and Speech Pathologist, Edwina Kruizinga, Sunshine Beach Speech Pathology, will talk about their roles. Leah will focus on the dementia journey and support needed, while Edwina will discuss singing and music as a practical way to support speech therapy in communication and swallowing. She operates a choir for those with neurological disorders.
Blue Care will facilitate the palliative and end – of – life care workshop. Family carers expressed that they wished to be prepared for this stage of the journey. The staff and volunteers from Blue Care Grief and Loss Support will give support in this workshop.
Mediation and Mindfulness is a skill that allows us to have a sense of focus and peace. Michelle Eckles, Mediation Sunshine Coast, will discuss these techniques. People living with dementia and their carers have expressed positive outcomes in mindfulness.
This workshop has been set in the first session for staff who may have studied dementia but would benefit from this work and lifestyle balance and relaxation technique.
Art is a way to occupy and express and Southern Cross Care’s Karen Wilson will lead in a simple art form. Being meaningfully occupied in nursing homes, private homes and hospital settings can support cognition but assist in preventing delirium. This is a practical workshop for those who like to use their minds and hands.
Financial considerations need to be decided upon as health care will need to be provided. The person with dementia will lose capacity, and guidance will be needed to manage finances. Katie Spence, Sage Care Advice, will lead a workshop on the legislative changes in Residential Care and financial changes. 
The Expo Stands will be manned by staff who can assist with information on dementia, family carers’ needs, My Aged Care / Support at Home, legal aspects like Enduring Power of Attorney, Adaptive Equipment, Research projects which give connections and in-depth understanding, finances, and Centrelink support.
This is a Once-a-Year!
One Stop-Shop for Dementia,
for
Family Carers, Family members, staff, seniors who wish plan ahead and gain information on support
Please help us to help others. Let others know who need this support.
Authors: Lorrae and Vince O’Rourke