AN Alzheimer\u2019s disease support network has been established in Ballarat.<\/p>\n
After a year in development, the Professionals with Alzheimer\u2019s, or PALZ, group, is aiming to offer a supportive space for people from white-collar workplaces who\u2019ve been diagnosed with the disease.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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\u2019re likely to keep them with us for longer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be holding bi-monthly meetings during which we\u2019ll go out into industries and get their CEO or whoever, to give a presentation, hopefully in a familiar boardroom setting.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
PALZ was founded in 2016 by Geelong\u2019s Cathy Roth when her husband, John, was diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n
With her background in radiography and business management, Ms Roth saw the potential for cross-pollination between the two areas.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeeing 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,\u201d said Ms Roth. \u201cThat\u2019s the most inspiring thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf something good can come out of something bad, John developing Alzheimer\u2019s has enlightened me to the amazing people that are out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ballarat group\u2019s program is yet to be determined, and those wishing to get involved can contact the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AN Alzheimer\u2019s disease support network has been established in Ballarat. After a year in development, the Professionals with Alzheimer\u2019s, or PALZ, group, is aiming to offer a supportive space for people from white-collar workplaces who\u2019ve been diagnosed with the disease. The Ballarat group launched last Thursday, facilitated by the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast, whose […]<\/p>\n