Windows on dementia

Health NZ – Canterbury’s Dr Matthew Croucher and former Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall explore diagnosis from a clinician’s perspective this World Alzheimers Month.

Explore why a diagnosis is so important, some of the barriers people may face and cut through some of the noise around biomarkers and other tests for dementia mate wareware.

We’ll follow this podcast up with a second part around diagnosis from a lived experience perspective.

Please note this episode was recorded on 23 July.

Dr Matthew Croucher and former Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall and reflect on the decade long journey of the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan. 

This was led by a kaitiaki group made up of Alzheimers NZ, Dementia Foundation NZ, Dementia NZ and the Mate Wareware Advisory Rōpū with comprehensive input from across the sector. 

The Action Plan sets out a roadmap for action by government and health services to address the dementia mate wareware challenge over the coming years.

Resources

• New Zealand Framework for Dementia Care
• Reach out to your local Alzheimers or Dementia organisation

Please note this episode was recorded on 23 July 2026.

Former Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall reflects on 14 years leading the organisation towards a future where people living with dementia mate wareware are heard, valued and supported. 

Hosted by Media Advisor Daniel Paul, the pair explore what keeps Catherine motivated and the significance of providing a platform for the lived experience voice. Read more about Catherine’s inspiring journey in her blog.

Alzheimers NZ Lived Experience Advisory Group Chair Fiona Parrant and Te Aka Matua o te Ture Law Commissioner Geof Shirtcliffe explore the Law Commission’s recent review of the adult decision-making capacity law. 

We believe people with dementia have the right to make their own decisions with the appropriate level of support needed for them to do so. Find out more about the review, why it is so important and what it means in real life. 

You can read the review of adult decision-making capacity law report and the Dementia Declaration online.

Emeritus Distinguished Professor Cliff Abraham and Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall reflect on the last 40 years or so in neurological research, as he retires.

From unintentionally building a life in Aotearoa New Zealand to being at the forefront of local breakthroughs – this podcast is a fascinating insight into the collaborations and advancements Cliff has been part of.

Alzheimers Taranaki Manager Helen Frank is joined by a very special guest – Corey Barrett, a high school student whose dad, Tim, was diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia in 2021.

Corey is just finishing high school and wrote some heartwarming poems about their jouney, which you can find online. While we know there will be others in his situation, it must be especially tough living with this diagnosis at such a young age.

The Barrett whānau has shared their journey with Alzheimers NZ previously and today we hear from Corey’s perspective.

Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall interviews our Patron Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull (Ngāti Rāhiri, Te Ātiawa), in this special Brain Awareness Month episode. 

Richard has more than 40 years’ experience researching the human brain and a long list of accolades. From medial advancements to his current work alongside iwi, there is one constant throughout his journey – the importance of people.

Te Whatu Ora Southern InterRAI Liaison and Educator Amy Pettigrew-Porter joins our Principal Advisor Services and Standards Lyneta Russell to talk about Needs Assessment and Service Coordination – otherwise known as NASC. 

NASC helps people living with dementia mate wareware and other health conditions access support. This could be somebody to help with personal or health needs such as help with showering a whānau member or help around the house like the washing.

Joined by members of the Alzheimers NZ Lived Experience Advisory Group, this podcast gives people a general understanding of NASC to empower them to use the services available. 

Resources

• Find your local NASC
• Older Persons NASC Services
• Find your local Alzheimers or dementia service
• Support for older people in Otago and Southland

Our Chief Executive Catherine Hall and our very good friend and partner Aged Care Association Chief Executive Hon. Tracey Martin join our Media Advisor Daniel Paul for a conversation around advocating for the sector in the second part of this podcast. 

In this podcast, Catherine and Tracey explore what practical changes can be implemented and how to get the attention of policy makers as we continue to advocate for the ageing population in Aotearoa New Zealand. Check out the first part of this podcast online.

This podcast was recorded on 13 November 2025.

Our Chief Executive Catherine Hall and our very good friend and partner Aged Care Association Chief Executive Hon. Tracey Martin join our Media Advisor Daniel Paul for a conversation around advocating for the sector in part one of this podcast. 

In this podcast, we’ll articulate what the challenge is for the ageing population in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This podcast was recorded on 13 November 2025.