Dementia Friendly Woollahra

21/08/2026

High blood pressure, particularly in midlife, is one of the most significant risk factors for developing dementia.

Researchers have consistently found that unmanaged hypertension increases the risk of both Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The good news is that blood pressure is manageable, and treating it is one of the clearest ways to reduce risk.

Simple steps that can help:
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly by your GP
- Reduce salt and processed food in your diet
- Stay physically active
- Limit alcohol
- Manage stress

These changes are good for your heart and good for your brain.

If you haven't had a check-up recently, it's worth booking one.

Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.

19/08/2026

Local businesses play a powerful role in making Woollahra more inclusive for people living with dementia.

Some simple steps any business can take:
- Encourage staff to complete the free Dementia Friends program
- Speak clearly and give customers extra time without rushing
- Reduce background noise and clutter where possible, as both can be disorienting
- Ensure signage is clear and easy to read
- Be patient if someone needs help with a transaction or seems uncertain

According to Dementia Australia, people living with dementia often report feeling disconnected and unsupported in public spaces. A small change in how staff respond can make an enormous difference to how included a person feels.

If your business would like to know more, get in touch:
[email protected] | 1300 882 962

Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.

14/08/2026

Keeping your brain challenged and engaged is one of the best things you can do for your cognitive health.

Activities that support brain health include:
- Reading and writing
- Learning a new skill or language
- Playing cards, chess or puzzles
- Taking a class or joining a group
- Creative activities like art, music or gardening

Research consistently shows that mental stimulation helps build cognitive reserve, the brain's ability to keep working well as we age.

Variety is what matters most. Try something new this week.

Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.

10/08/2026

Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.

Our goal is to build a more informed, compassionate and inclusive community for people living with dementia and the people who support them.

Our community includes experts, local businesses, family members, people living with dementia and residents of all ages.

We run events, awareness campaigns and the Carers Network. We meet bi-monthly to shape our action plan and priorities. And we work with Dementia Australia to help Woollahra become a recognised dementia-friendly community.

If you live or work in the area and would like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.

Dementia- Friendly Woollahra | Holdsworth (https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Zmmm0)

Help make Woollahra dementia friendly with Holdsworth's program. Attend workshops and become a Dementia Friend to support your community. Join us.

05/08/2026

Australia has some of the world's leading dementia researchers. Here are three institutions doing important work:

UNSW Sydney's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) studies how genetics, lifestyle and social connection influence brain health in older adults. They have developed tools to help people understand and reduce their personal dementia risk.

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), based in Sydney, focuses on developing approaches to dementia risk reduction that put people living with dementia at the centre of their own care.

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health runs Australia's National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory and leads research into blood-based biomarkers for earlier diagnosis.

This research shapes the support available to people living with dementia across the country.

Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.

02/08/2026

Untreated hearing loss is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for dementia.

A 2024 meta-analysis covering http://1.5 million participants found that adult-onset hearing loss significantly increases the likelihood of cognitive change. Research also shows that hearing loss can contribute to social isolation and depression, which are themselves risk factors for dementia.

Dementia Australia-funded research suggests that treating hearing loss with hearing aids may help protect against cognitive decline.

If you or someone you know has noticed changes in hearing, it's worth getting a check-up. Talk to your GP about a referral to an audiologist.

👉 Read more: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Zmmk0

Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.

30/07/2026

If you're supporting someone living with dementia, the Carers Network is here for you.

Join us for a relaxed morning tea with other local people in a similar situation, led by specialist dementia consultant Michelle Beaumont. It's a chance to share experiences, ask questions and take some time for yourself.

Free. Welcoming. Right here in Woollahra.

Contact us to hear about upcoming sessions:
[email protected] | 1300 882 962


Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.

27/07/2026

In September 2025, Australia's first TGA-approved blood test for Alzheimer's disease became available.

The test measures a protein called phosphorylated-tau (pTau 181) in plasma. It can help indicate whether Alzheimer's disease pathology is present, as part of a clinical assessment.

A second, more precise test (pTau 217) is currently in development and expected to become available in Australia later in 2026.

These advances matter because earlier and more accurate diagnosis gives people living with dementia the best chance to access support, plan ahead and take part in treatment decisions.

If you have concerns about your own memory or that of someone you're supporting, speak with your GP.

Source: New blood test could streamline Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment access - CSIRO (https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0ZmvB0)

Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.

23/07/2026

Staying socially connected is one of the most powerful, and most overlooked, ways to support brain health as you age.

A 2025 study found that maintaining strong social ties may help delay the onset of dementia. Social connection also supports heart health, improves sleep quality and helps build cognitive reserve: the brain's capacity to keep adapting and problem-solving as we age.

Social isolation, on the other hand, is a recognised risk factor for dementia. It can contribute to faster cognitive change and affects mood and physical health as well.

You don't need to do anything elaborate. Sharing a meal, joining a community group, calling a friend or catching up with a neighbour all contribute to a healthier brain.

👉 Read more: Social Connection for Seniors (https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Zmp40)


Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.

20/07/2026

Becoming a Dementia Friend is one of the most meaningful things you can do to support people living with dementia in our community.

A Dementia Friend is someone who takes time to learn about dementia so they can make small, everyday changes that make a real difference to a person living with dementia.

You can become one online in a few minutes:
1. Visit https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Zmlj0
2. Complete the free Dementia Friends program
3. Download your certificate and order your badge

Thousands of people have already joined. Why not be next?

👉 Read more: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Zmm70

Dementia Friendly Woollahra is proudly supported by Woollahra Council and facilitated by Holdsworth.