A Milson Rotary Club Event Recap
Our recent Rotary meeting featured an engaging and unexpectedly uplifting session led by Verity Murphy, Manager of Alzheimer’s Manawatū, alongside her colleague Liam Walsh.
While dementia can often feel like a heavy topic, the team delivered a warm, humorous, and deeply human presentation. The key takeaway? Dementia is not "the end"—it is a different way of living that requires understanding, adaptation, and community support.
The evening left Milson Rotary members not with fear, but with a renewed appreciation for the power of community in helping people live well with dementia.
What is Dementia? (It’s Not Just Memory)
Liam Walsh took the room on a fast-paced tour of the realities of dementia. He clarified a common misconception: dementia is not solely about memory loss. It is an acquired impairment of brain function that can affect:
Planning and judgment
Language and communication
Movement and recognition
Intellect and personality
While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, Liam explained that there are several distinct types, including:
Vascular Dementia: Often linked to strokes.
Lewy Body Dementia: Affecting movement and thinking.
Frontotemporal Dementia: Often impacting personality and behavior.
Alcohol-related Dementia.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
The team emphasised that early diagnosis is crucial—not to frighten people, but to empower them. Early education, support, and sometimes medication can help individuals live well for longer. This process typically begins with a GP cognitive test, followed by hospital-based assessments like CT or MRI scans.
Surprising Risk Factors: Hearing and Vision
The discussion on risk factors highlighted well-known issues like smoking, alcohol, and lack of exercise. However, two less discussed factors surprised the room: hearing loss and vision loss.
Liam noted that sensory loss often leads to social withdrawal, which accelerates cognitive decline. He urged the audience to overcome pride regarding hearing aids, as staying socially connected is vital for brain health.
Finding Joy: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
Michael, an Occupational Therapist with the MidCentral OPAL team and a prospective member in the audience, also offered to share his perspective. He shifted the conversation toward the emotional strengths and possibilities of people living with dementia, emphasising that they can continue to experience joy, connection, and meaningful improvement.
He championed Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)—group activities involving music, conversation, and reminiscence. Even if a person forgets a visitor within minutes, the feeling of connection remains.
How to Support Alzheimer’s Manawatū
Verity Murphy reminded us that Alzheimer’s Manawatū is a non-profit organisation relying on fundraising and volunteers.
Visit: The community is welcome to visit the Marion Kennedy Club to see their programs in action—places filled with laughter and friendship.
Support: Donations and volunteers are always needed to help maintain these vital services.
The evening left Milson Rotary members not with fear, but with a renewed appreciation for the power of community in helping people live well with dementia.
