Memory Nurture

04/03/2026

👂🧠 Hearing Loss and Dementia – What’s the Connection?

Major research, including findings from The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care, has identified mid-life hearing loss as a significant contributor to dementia risk.

💡 Why might hearing loss increase dementia risk?

Researchers believe it may be due to several factors:

🔹 Brain strain – When hearing is reduced, the brain has to work much harder to understand sounds. This may take resources away from memory and thinking.
🔹 Reduced stimulation – Less sound input means less brain stimulation over time.
🔹 Social isolation – Hearing loss can lead to withdrawing from conversations and activities, which increases loneliness, another known dementia risk factor.

📊 The important part: Hearing loss is treatable.

Wearing hearing aids, getting regular hearing checks, and addressing hearing changes early may help reduce risk and protect cognitive health.

✅ What you can do:

• Get your hearing tested if you notice changes
• Don’t ignore a gradual hearing decline
• Encourage older family members to seek support
• Stay socially connected

Protecting your hearing isn’t just about sound; it may also be about protecting your brain.

01/03/2026

This month, Brain Awareness Week runs from the 16th to the 22nd. The Brain Foundation will be hosting several free webinars across the week, kicking off with Lifestyle and Brain Health. See details below.

🚨 Hot off the press: Brain Awareness Week 2026 webinar topics and expert speakers are now live!

The schedule includes a great lineup of topics, as well as an exciting in-person option on Thursday for those based in Sydney (which will also be livestreamed).

Explore the full program and register now to secure your spot: https://brainfoundation.org.au/brain-awareness-week/

Got questions? Drop them in the comments 👇

28/02/2026

🧠💃 Dance your way to a healthier brain!

Did you know that new research suggests frequent dancing, more than once a week, is linked with a massively lower risk of developing dementia later in life? 🎶👇

A long-term observational study of older adults found that those who danced regularly had up to a 76% lower chance of getting dementia compared with people who rarely danced over the years.

This might be because dancing isn’t just exercise, it combines movement, rhythm, memory work, coordination and social interaction. All of these elements provide a more complex challenge for the brain than many other activities.

✨ So, whether it’s ballet, salsa, line dancing, or just grooving around your lounge, keep moving and have fun with it! 💃🕺

(And of course, this research shows association, not causation, but it’s a great reminder that joy + activity = brain boost! 🧠💖)

Frequent dancing was linked to lower dementia risk in older adults followed over many years.

27/02/2026

Today, we end the working week with a feel-good post about the Community Visitor's Scheme and how it benefits not only the older person but also the volunteer. It highlights how connection with others can truly improve the quality of life and health.

Amber didn’t know anyone when she moved to Darwin. When she started visiting Sue as a volunteer visitor, she had her first friend. Their friendship has deepe...

26/02/2026

In this interview on Sunrise, Professor Henry Brodaty AO, discusses how to reduce the risk of developing dementia.

25/02/2026

On Friday, April 10th, to mark Australian Primary Progressive Aphasia Awareness Day, a free webinar is being hosted by Frontier at Brain & Mind Centre. The focus of the webinar will be on early interventions to help support those diagnosed with PPA. See the post below for more information and how to register.

We are celebrating the second ever Australian PPA Awareness Day - this year we’ve lined our webinar up with the International celebration so we’ll be joining in a celebration/awareness day that will happen across the world. The focus is on how early intervention can help those living with PPA - especially those with younger onset.

If you would like to participate this free webinar, scan the QR code or visit the website attached to the flyer!

24/02/2026

🎶 Why the Songs from Our Teenage Years Stay With Us

Ever wondered why those tracks you blasted as a teen still have an emotional tug? A global study from the University of Jyväskylä has uncovered some fascinating insights into how music from our teenage years leaves a lasting emotional mark on us.

🔍 Key takeaways:
🎧 The study found a strong “reminiscence bump”; most people form their deepest emotional connections to music from around age 17. These songs become tied to identity, memories, and powerful emotions.
👦👧 Interestingly, this pattern differs by gender: men tend to peak earlier and hold onto that music longer, while women often connect strongly with music through young adulthood and beyond.
📊 The research involved responses from nearly 2,000 people across 84 countries, showing this is a truly global phenomenon.
🎵 Music doesn’t just entertain, it acts like a time machine, bringing back feelings, moments, and even parts of who we were.

So next time a song from your teens pops up, know it’s not just nostalgia, it’s science! 💭🎶

Research from the University of Jyväskylä shows teenage songs leave a lasting mark, yet men and women experience their musical reminiscence differently across the lifespan.

23/02/2026

🌱 FREE Webinar: Let Us Grow – Life, Creativity and Connection

The Australian Young Onset Dementia Special Interest Group is hosting a free webinar exploring how creativity, music and inclusive group activities can support people living with young-onset dementia to live meaningful, connected lives.

Hear from Althea Gordon (Mind the Change), Matthew Clements (Songfest), and people with lived experience of young-onset dementia.

Suitable for people living with young-onset dementia, families, carers, and professionals across health, disability and aged care.

To register, follow the link below.

Attend this free webinar for insights from people who have living experience with young onset dementia and how they challenge themselves to live their best life

22/02/2026

🧠 Dementia vs. Delirium – Do You Know the Difference?

While both can cause confusion and memory changes, dementia and delirium are not the same.

🔹 Dementia usually develops slowly over time and is progressive.
🔸 Delirium happens suddenly, often due to infection, medication changes, or illness, and it can be reversible with prompt treatment.

Knowing the difference is so important, especially if a loved one suddenly seems more confused than usual. A rapid change is not “just the dementia”; it could be a medical emergency.

Take a moment to review the infographic and share it to help others recognise the signs. Early action can make all the difference. 💙

21/02/2026

🌍💬 Mother Language Day & Dementia

Many people living with dementia may begin to speak their first (native) language again, even if they haven’t used it for years. This happens because early memories and learned languages are stored deeper in the brain and often last longer than newer ones. 🧠💙

How to help:
✔️ Use simple words and gestures
✔️ Learn a few key phrases in their first language
✔️ Play music or shows in that language
✔️ Be patient and focus on connection

Honouring someone’s mother language can bring comfort, reduce anxiety, and help them feel understood.

20/02/2026

Some great tips on how to maintain good mental health.

19/02/2026

Next month, Fight Parkinson's is hosting a free symposium covering Parkinson's research. Follow their page for more updates.

Join us on Tuesday 14 April 2026 for a free event that brings our community together with international and national researchers, clinicians, and advocates who are working to improve life for people living with Parkinson’s.

You can attend the event in person or stream it live.

Learn more and register here: https://www.fightparkinsons.org.au/event/parkinsons-research-symposium-2026/

More information will be shared soon, including the program and speakers. We look forward to having you with us.