Our speakers

Ann is living with dementia. She and her husband Timothy have been advocates for Dementia Australia for many years. They’ve attended consumer summits, contributed to media activity and supported many events and activities in Adelaide.

Ann is currently a member of the NNIDR Consumer Involvement Program Reference Group.

Ann trained in Melbourne as a general nurse and midwife. Later she gained a bachelor degree in Applied Science - Nursing Administration; her special interest was gerontology. In Adelaide she worked in the aged care sector, organising and facilitating services for people living with disabilities, the elderly and for people living with dementia and younger onset dementia.

Late in 2011 Ann began to experience memory problems of her own. She retired from employment in July 2012, and a few months later she received a likely diagnosis of younger onset dementia – Alzheimer’s. Ann was 59. It now appears that she has Lewy Body Dementia.

Ann has a positive attitude and is open about her diagnosis. She and her husband are happy to share their insights with a view to helping others understand dementia.