Dementia: Facts and Foundations Webinar

Speakers

• More details about Dr Fiona Kumfor

  Dr Fiona Kumfor

  Dr Fiona Kumfor is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. Her research program focuses on improving the diagnosis and management of dementia, with a particular interest in non-Alzheimer’s dementia presentations. Fiona has published over 120 journal articles in high impact journals including Brain and Lancet Neurology. Her work has been funded by more than $5.2 million in competitive grants with findings cited in professional development courses, diagnostic recommendations and informed government policy. Fiona is also Director of the Sydney Neuropsychology Clinic and co-founder of the Dementia Law Network.

• More details about Julane Bowen

  Julane Bowen

  Julane is a solicitor, Volunteer Director of the Australian Frontotemporal Dementia Association and carer for her husband who is living with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. She has over 30 years public sector experience at a senior level in various Agencies and Not for Profits in NSW. Julane grew up in California but met her Australian husband Jeff over four decades ago. Sadly, when Jeff retired at 65 his health deteriorated rapidly, two years later a diagnosis of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) rocked all retirement plans. Julane experienced first-hand the difficulties of the unknown that is a rare dementia. Diagnosis was slow and required constant advocacy to get the necessary tests required for answers. Legal problems became a daily occurrence, the most significant being the fight to get Jeff released home to live out his days surrounded by family. Julane responded by returning to University and obtaining an Honours law degree and now practices pro bono with an emphasis in elder law to help other families like hers.

• More details about Kylie Miskovski

  Kylie Miskovski

  Kylie Miskovski is the General Manager Policy and Advocacy at Dementia Australia. She has been with the organisation since 2011. Kylie has an Honours degree in Social Science and extensive experience in social research, evaluation, policy and systemic advocacy. A passionate advocate for people living with dementia, their families and carers, Kylie is committed to improving policy, care and support for people impacted by dementia.

• More details about Ann Pietsch

  Ann Pietsch

  "My diagnosis allowed me to get the help I needed, and an early diagnosis gave me time to get on with my life." Ann Pietsch is Chair of the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee (DAAC) and a highly respected dementia advocate with extensive experience contributing to research, policy, service development, and community engagement. Originally diagnosed with younger onset dementia in 2012, Alzheimer’s, Ann's diagnosis was later revised to Lewy body dementia. Since becoming involved with Dementia Australia, Ann has contributed to a wide range of research, policy, and advocacy initiatives. She has helped shape research projects, parliamentary reports, dementia policy, and service development, while raising awareness through public speaking and media engagement. Her work has enabled her to collaborate with people living with dementia, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers at local, national, and international levels. Ann currently serves on the ADNeT Registry Steering Committee and has previously been a member of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation Scientific Panel and the OPAN National Older Persons Reference Group. She has a particular interest in dementia research, quality dementia care, and dementia-friendly communities. As a Peer Leader, Ann provides one-to-one support to people newly diagnosed with dementia, drawing on her own lived experience to offer encouragement, understanding, and practical guidance. She is passionate about helping others see that it is possible to continue living a meaningful and fulfilling life following a diagnosis. Before her diagnosis, Ann worked as a General Nurse and Midwife and later completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing Administration, with a special interest in gerontology. She also worked as a Nurse Advisor with the Health Commission of Victoria. Through her advocacy, leadership, and peer support work, Ann continues to promote greater understanding of dementia and advocate for improved outcomes for people living with dementia and their families.

• More details about Dr Nola Ries

  Dr Nola Ries

  Dr Nola Ries is a Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology, Sydney. She is an experienced legal and social science researcher with expertise in: law, health and ageing; legal aspects of health system reform; and the ethical and legal governance of health research. Nola is a co-founder of the Dementia Law Network, Co-Theme Leader (Law, Ethics & Regulation) for the UTS Ageing Research Collaborative (UARC), member of the UTS Law, Health, Justice Research Group and a member of the UTS Medical Research Ethics Committee. Professor Ries has a strong focus on applied research, community engagement and interprofessional collaboration between legal and health sectors. She leads a program of research on: legal issues for people living with dementia, their carers and family; dementia capability for the legal profession; and legal and policy frameworks for a dementia-inclusive society. Nola has expertise in qualitative research with professional and consumer participants. She has over 100 publications, research reports and related outputs, including more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 25 book chapters. Nola also teaches Research Methodology, Elder Law and Law & Medicine. Formerly a solicitor and barrister in British Columbia, Canada, Nola is also admitted as a solicitor in NSW.