Big turnout expected for charity walk

Jenny Spence

Wanganui residents will be taking part for the first time this year in the Memory Walk for Alzheimer's.

The walk, tomorrow at 10.30am, from the River Traders Market, is one of 21 being held in towns and cities throughout New Zealand.

Alzheimer's NZ executive director Catherine Hall says the Memory Walks are a way to shine light on dementia in New Zealand.

"Dementia is the major public health issue of our time, and these Memory Walks allow us to publicly support people with dementia and their families, friends and carers," she said.

"They're also a time for us to remember the people we know or have known with dementia.

"Raising awareness through these walks is an important step - we need to do all we can to help people with dementia to live well."

About 60,000 people are living with dementia nationwide and this is expected to increase to 154,000 by 2050 due to the ageing population.

Ms Hall said while finding a cure was critical, attention needed to be focussed on people who are living with dementia. That included making sure those with dementia had access to support and services to live independently, and encouraging family and friends to keep up regular contact.

Alzheimer's Wanganui manager Jenny Spence was looking forward to a good turnout.

"This is the first year we've held a Memory Walk and we are thrilled with the number of registrations." she said. "People's enthusiasm to get out there and draw attention to dementia, is hugely encouraging."