Here’s a bold statement: while political cycles are fleeting, the impact of dementia on our lives is anything but. And this is the part most people miss—we can actually live well with dementia, not just suffer through it. But how? That’s where Professor Henry Brodaty, Senior Australian of the Year, steps in. In a candid conversation with The Medical Republic, he shares his lifelong dedication to dementia research, advocacy, and his vision for the future. But here’s where it gets controversial—he’s not just fighting for awareness; he’s pushing for radical changes in how we approach dementia care, and not everyone agrees with his methods.
Professor Brodaty’s recent award isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s a megaphone. With decades of work in clinical research and dementia advocacy, he’s leveraging this recognition to amplify his message and, hopefully, influence policy. As director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW, his goals are ambitious: establish dementia navigators and launch a national program to delay dementia’s onset. But why is this so urgent? Because dementia is now Australia’s leading cause of death, yet it remains underfunded compared to diseases like cancer or diabetes. Is this fair? Or is dementia being overlooked because its burden is silent and slow?
When asked about his shift in perspective on dementia, Professor Brodaty clarifies it wasn’t a sudden switch but a gradual awakening. ‘People with dementia have taught me that we can still live a good life,’ he explains. ‘We can compensate for deficits, build on our strengths, and continue to enjoy life—whether it’s sharing love, playing tennis, or attending concerts.’ But he’s no Pollyanna; he acknowledges the late stages of dementia are often tragic. Yet, he champions the concept of reablement—a rehab-like approach that’s rarely applied to dementia. ‘Why do we tell stroke patients to rehabilitate but dementia patients to prepare for the end?’ he challenges. Is this a gap in care, or are we simply avoiding the hard work of reimagining dementia support?
Take, for example, a woman who loved cooking but struggled with organizational skills. Instead of letting her husband take over, Professor Brodaty’s team worked with him to become her ‘frontal lobe,’ helping her stay engaged in the kitchen. Or someone who can’t manage emails—why not bring in a strategist to help them stay connected? It’s about creativity, not resignation. But this approach requires training families and caregivers, which raises another question: Are we doing enough to empower those on the frontlines of dementia care?
Professor Brodaty is also pushing for ‘dementia navigators’—guides who help families after a diagnosis, pointing them to resources and support. ‘People feel lost after a diagnosis,’ he says. ‘They need someone to show them the path.’ Yet, funding for such initiatives remains a challenge. With NHMRC grant success rates at a mere 8%, researchers like him are fighting an uphill battle. Is the system failing dementia research, or is it a symptom of broader issues in scientific funding?
What’s more, dementia research is still relatively young compared to fields like cancer or heart disease. ‘We’re not competing over which disease is more important,’ Professor Brodaty insists. ‘But there needs to be equity.’ He highlights the economic benefits of his proposals, like delaying dementia onset by just one year, which could reduce new cases by 10%. So why aren’t policymakers jumping on this? Is it because the benefits take years to materialize, outlasting political cycles?
As we wrap up, Professor Brodaty’s message is clear: dementia care needs a revolution, not just in treatment but in mindset. But the question remains: Are we ready to rethink dementia, or will we let short-term thinking overshadow long-term lives? What do you think? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
