Dedication to ending emotional isolation of elderly with cognitive disease

Having a loved one with dementia can be a daily challenge, especially as the condition progresses. This article does not seek to diminish that experience or take away the pain, but I hope it helps caregivers see things through a different lens.

Over five days in October, more than 20 participants from around the world gathered in Penang for a retreat organised by Memory Bridge president Michael Verde in collaboration with Bagan Specialist Centre gerontologist Dr Cecilia Chan.

The group of aged-care nurses, dementia researchers, care partners and advocates included Australian nurse Julie Mao, who has spent 16 years in aged care, and Kuala Lumpur-based researcher Kaysha Ubrani, founder of Anchor Dementia Care.