The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) was delighted to support Dementia Research Advisory Team members Ruth Forrest and Kevin Cullen to take part in the recent Walking the Talk for Dementia (WTD) research conference in Santiago de Compostela, Spain (organised by Fernando Peres Aguzzoli and his extraordinary team). Accompanied by Kevin’s husband Tom Hennessy and ASI Research Project Officer Cíara O’Reilly, the members set off on an inspiring and deeply immersive four-day trek, followed by an interactive and engaging two-day symposium. Concentrating on representing the breadth of dementia experience, WTD unites people living with dementia, family caregivers, geriatricians, researchers, and clinicians in a challenging and humbling environment.
This diversity of perspectives created a space that felt both inclusive and impactful, reminding us that dementia is not just a medical issue, but a lived, social and human experience. “By the end of those four days, we had become more than a group on a walk. We had become a family. A family that was not defined by dementia, but by kindness, by humour, by respect, by love.” - Ruth Forrest The atmosphere throughout was one of shared purpose and genuine passion for change. It was rewarding to see how international expertise and grassroots commitment can meet in the same space, sparking ideas, collaborations and hope. The energy of the event reinforced the importance of working together to challenge stigma, improve care and champion innovation. Walking the Talk for Dementia truly lived up to its name; it was not only about discussing dementia but about taking real steps towards making a difference.