Alzheimer’s support group launches

AN Alzheimer’s disease support network has been established in Ballarat.

After a year in development, the Professionals with Alzheimer’s, or PALZ, group, is aiming to offer a supportive space for people from white-collar workplaces who’ve been diagnosed with the disease.

The Ballarat group launched last Thursday, facilitated by the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast, whose president Dr Gitte Lindgaard said PALZ aims to provide social and mental stimulation.

“This is for people from high pressure jobs who are used to making very high-level decisions so if we can keep these people intellectually and socially engaged, we’re likely to keep them with us for longer,” she said.

“We’ll be holding bi-monthly meetings during which we’ll go out into industries and get their CEO or whoever, to give a presentation, hopefully in a familiar boardroom setting.”

Associate Professor Mark Yates of Grampians Health helped launch the group, and his organisation is going to reach out to relevant people who might be interested in joining.

PALZ was founded in 2016 by Geelong’s Cathy Roth when her husband, John, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

With her background in radiography and business management, Ms Roth saw the potential for cross-pollination between the two areas.

The support network has grown to include groups in Melbourne, Sydney and the UK, and Ms Roth said she enjoys seeing the understanding and camaraderie between the members.

“Seeing them settled, seeing them in friendships and seeing them being able to hold their head up high and walk into an organisation instead of being apologetic,” said Ms Roth. “That’s the most inspiring thing.

“If something good can come out of something bad, John developing Alzheimer’s has enlightened me to the amazing people that are out there.”

The Ballarat group’s program is yet to be determined, and those wishing to get involved can contact the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast.