Daily walk down memory lane

IT IS a no-brainer our brain is the most important part of our body. Did you know each week there are 1,600 Australians diagnosed with dementia?

Ray Baxter at Seabreeze. Dementia worker. Photo: John Gass / Daily News. Picture: John Gass

IT IS a no-brainer our brain is the most important part of our body.

Did you know each week there are 1,600 Australians diagnosed with dementia?

That is one person every six minutes.

Next week marks Dementia Awareness Week and there is a lot of research going into how we can reduce or delay the onset of this devastating disease that affects not only the sufferer but their loved ones.

Seabreeze Community Aged Care activities coordinator Ray Baxter works with people already suffering with dementia.

It is hard work but he said he loved it.

"You have your really good days and sometimes you have your bad days," he said.

"It's much more good than bad and I love the work."

Mr Baxter's job is to create activities to keep the residents at the aged care facility social.

He said with the way their memories are they often found themselves in their own world, but it was far more beneficial to keep their mind active.

A lot of research is currently going into how we can prevent or delay the onset of dementia and keeping our brain fit and healthy is a sure bet to reduce the chance of developing it.

Alzheimer's Australia is right behind this theory and on Sunday is hosting a Memory Walk at the Jack Evans Harbour.

Project officer Chris Vannucci said the day will have a short and long walk and tours of the harbour.

"It's all about making sure your brain matters," she said

"It is important to stimulate the social, mental and physical to promote health aging."

There will be plenty going on there and a delicious sausage sizzle to keep your grumbling tummy at bay.

To learn how to help your brain and keep active head to Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf St, Tweed Heads from 10am to 2pm.

Originally published as Daily walk down memory lane