A Memory Walk to remember this Sunday

The Narrabri Memory Walk will take place this Sunday, April 30, to raise awareness for dementia in the community.

Affecting two-in-three community members, dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australians, soon to be the leading, and more awareness of the uncurable disease is the best chance that community members have for delaying symptoms.

Memory and cognition nurse Kylie Finlay from Mehi Sector, and chair of the Narrabri Dementia Friendly Town Committee said, “We have been wanting to put another one of these events on for many years since our last one in 2016.”

“I have a few friends who have participated in several Memory Walk and Jog events run by Dementia Australia over the years and love the idea, so we were inspired to do our own again.”

While the all-ages walk is for enjoyment, not a race or fun run, the active participation is an intentioned reminder about the benefits of being both socially and physically active to maintain a healthy brain.

During COVID, the Dementia Friendly Town Committee had other events to promote dementia awareness, such as the Dementia Rocks Hunt and dementia socks, and hope to see a good turnout from the community.

It is estimated that more than 400,000 Australians are living with dementia. With no medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to more than 800,000 by 2058.

The World Health Organisation lists a multitude of recommendations for reducing the risk of cognitive

decline, including drinking alcohol in moderation, stopping smoking, eating a balanced Mediterranean diet, and managing diabetes, mental health, and cholesterol.

The leisurely walk will commence from Whiddon’s Robert Young home, continuing to the Narrabri Health Service and across the bridge up to The Crossing Theatre for provided drinks, then back to Whiddon for the barbecue.

To mark the occasion, dementia awareness ribbons made and provided by Joan Griffiths will be for sale.

“People can give a donation and put them on the fence in remembrance of family living with dementia or have passed and for those that are hopeful for a cure,” said Mrs Finlay.

“Although we are trying to raise funds for Dementia Australia, our main focus is to promote awareness around dementia.

There will be more information on dementia made available on the day and special teal ribbons made for sale by Joan Griffiths.

Healthwise will also be sponsoring the Memory Walk by providing teal, dementia awareness-coloured shirts for the day which will be available for a donation.

“There will also be lucky door prizes and a raffle and Rotary will be providing a sausage sizzle, which is just so good of them,” said Mrs Finlay.

Please bring coins and cash on the day as no EFTPOS is available, with parking along Gibbons Street.