Dementia Friendly Woollahra

08/10/2026

Spending time outdoors is good for your brain.

Natural light helps regulate your sleep cycle, which is linked to lower dementia risk. Time in green spaces has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and support physical activity, all of which protect cognitive health.

It doesn't need to be a long walk. Time in a garden, a stroll around the block or sitting in a park all count.

Woollahra has some wonderful outdoor spaces. Use them.

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

06/10/2026

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is one of Australia's leading dementia research centres, based in Melbourne and partnering with institutions across the country.

The Florey runs Australia's National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory, which processes biomarker tests used to detect and monitor Alzheimer's disease. In September 2025, the lab supported the introduction of Australia's first TGA-approved blood test for Alzheimer's disease, a significant step forward for earlier, less invasive diagnosis.

The Florey's research teams are working on:
- Understanding how proteins like tau and amyloid contribute to Alzheimer's disease
- Developing new approaches targeting neurodegeneration
- Improving diagnostic tools so more people living with dementia can access earlier, accurate answers

Earlier diagnosis gives people living with dementia and their families more time to plan, access support and take part in clinical trials for new treatments.

The Florey | Advancing Brain Research (https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Zxcc0)

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

01/10/2026

One of the world's leading centres for dementia research is right here in Sydney.

The Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney is co-directed by Scientia Professor Perminder Sachdev AM, one of Australia's most recognised dementia researchers. His team studies cognitive ageing, brain imaging, vascular contributions to dementia and modifiable risk factors.

CHeBA's recent work includes research into how social isolation, physical inactivity and low mood increase dementia risk, as well as studies on personalised risk reduction plans and AI tools to support people living with dementia.

This kind of research shapes the support available to people living with dementia in communities like ours.

Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) | UNSW Sydney (https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Zx5H0)

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

The Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney leads world-class research into brain ageing, dementia prevention, and cognitive health. Explore our studies, resources, and initiatives to promote healthy ageing and improve quality of life.

28/09/2026

Dementia Action Week 2026 is over, but the work continues.

Thank you to everyone who shared a post, learned something new, reached out to someone supporting a person living with dementia, or took a step, however small, toward a more inclusive community.

Together, we are building a neighbourhood where people living with dementia feel seen, valued and supported every week of the year.

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

24/09/2026

This Dementia Action Week, we want to share what being dementia friendly looks like in everyday life.

It's the café owner who greets a regular with patience and no rush. The neighbour who offers help with directions when someone seems uncertain. The shop assistant who repeats the price without frustration. The friend who keeps calling, even when the conversation is more challenging than it used to be.

The Dementia Australia Dementia-Friendly Communities program supports individuals, businesses and groups to take small, practical steps together.

This week, think about one thing you could do to make Woollahra a little more inclusive.

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

20/09/2026

Today is World Alzheimer's Day

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for between 60% and 80% of cases worldwide. It is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is not a normal part of ageing.

Globally, over 55 million people are living with dementia. In Australia, around 446,500 people have a diagnosis, along with more than http://1.6 million family members and friends who support them.

Today is a day to learn, to listen and to stand alongside people living with dementia and the people who care for them.

You can help by:
- Becoming a Dementia Friend
- Sharing this post with someone who needs to see it
- Reaching out to someone you know who is supporting a person living with dementia
- Supporting Dementia Friendly Woollahra

👉 Read more: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Zxc00

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

20/09/2026

Dementia Action Week 2026 begins tomorrow, 21 September, and runs until 27 September.

This week also marks World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September, observed globally each year.

There are an estimated 446,500 people living with dementia in Australia right now. That figure is expected to more than double to over one million by 2065.

This week, take one action:
- Share this post
- Become a Dementia Friend
- Check in on someone you know who is supporting a person living with dementia
- Tell someone what dementia-friendly means

Every action, however small, helps build the community that people living with dementia deserve.


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

16/09/2026

One of the most consistent findings in dementia research is the protective role of social connection.

A 2025 study found that staying socially engaged may help delay the onset of dementia. Strong social ties are also linked to better heart health, improved sleep and a longer life expectancy.

Social interaction supports cognitive reserve: the brain's capacity to keep adapting and problem-solving as we age.

Social isolation, on the other hand, is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for dementia.

Some ways to stay connected:
- Join a community group, class or club
- Volunteer locally
- Call or visit friends and family regularly
- Come along to a Dementia Friendly Woollahra event

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

16/09/2026

This year, Dementia Action Week will run from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 September with World Alzheimer’s Day on Monday 21 September.

13/09/2026

Dementia Action Week 2026 runs from 21 to 27 September, and Dementia Australia wants to make it the biggest year yet.

Dementia Action Week is Australia's leading awareness and advocacy campaign for people affected by dementia. It's a chance for all of us to learn more, challenge stigma and take meaningful action in our own communities.

Last year, the campaign reached more than 500,000 people on social media and saw a 170% increase in registrations for the Dementia Friends program.

This week, we'll be sharing resources and ways you can take part right here in Woollahra.

Follow this page and share our posts. Every share helps more people in our community learn about dementia.

Read more: Dementia Action Week | Dementia Australia (https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0ZwJJ0)

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