Living well with dementia

Studying the science of ageing and dementia helps us better understand these conditions and find effective ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat them.

Join experts from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute and people with lived experience of dementia during Brain Awareness Week to discover:

• The biological basis of ageing
• The biology of natural cognitive decline versus neurodegeneration
• The latest trends in dementia research
• Diagnosing dementia
• Living well with dementia

Date: Thursday, 13 March 2025

Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Location: Auditorium 1, State Library of Queensland, Stanley Place, South Bank

Cost: $30*

*All proceeds go to dementia research at QBI's Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research.

Register here 

Doors open at 6.30pm. Event commences at 7pm and will include an interactive Q&A session. Light refreshments between 8pm-9pm.

Chair

Emeritus Professor Roland (Roly) Sussex

Roland (Roly) Sussex (OAM, FQA, Chevalier des Palmes Académiques) is an Emeritus Professor of UQ. He has a PhD in Russian and general linguistics from the University of London. He was Professor of Russian at the University of Melbourne (1974-1989), and Professor of Applied Language Studies at UQ from 1989 to 2010.

Expert Speakers

Professor Peter Nestor

Peter Nestor joined the Queensland Brain Institute in 2017 and has a conjoint appointment as a cognitive neurologist at Mater Misericordiae Ltd (Mater Hospital). His particular interests include understanding the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease (i.e. before dementia is established); atypical forms of dementia with a particular focus on primary progressive aphasia and dementias related to Parkinson's and Lewy body diseases; and improving differential diagnosis between the major categories of neurodegenerative diseases.

Professor Elizabeth (Lizzie) Coulson

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Coulson was one of the founding members of the Queensland Brain Institute, joining the University in 2003. Her laboratory investigate how and why certain neurons die in neurodegenerative diseases. Her lab is currently focusing on the reasons why cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain die in Alzheimer’s disease, what contribution their loss makes to cognitive decline and whether manipulating neurotrophic signalling can protect or restore cognitive function, and what role the neurotrophins play in the normal function of these neurons.

Associate Professor Steven Zuryn

Steven Zuryn is a molecular geneticist within UQ's Queensland Brain Institute. He leads an international and diverse team of postdoctoral, PhD, Honours, and undergraduate investigators studying epigenetics and mitochondrial biology. His laboratory's work focuses on the role and impact of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and is particularly fascinated with mutations that accumulate within the mitochondria's own genome during ageing.

Dominique (Dom) O'Leary

Dominique (Dom) O'Leary cared for her father, Noel, through his decline with dementia until his passing in July 2022. A plumber with a warm personality and great humour, Noel was her best friend. As his advocate and carer, Dom supported her mum in keeping him at home before his move to aged care, where she remained actively involved in his care. She believes in "reaching in" to connect with loved ones with dementia—sharing humour, stories, and quality time to improve their quality of life.

Jim Rogers

Jim Rogers is a former journalist and world traveller who was diagnosed with younger onset dementia at 57. With the support of his husband, Tyler, he has embraced living in the present with a positive and upbeat outlook. He stays active with swimming and yoga, enjoys good food and laughter, and treasures time with family, including his three children, three grandchildren, and two Jack Russells. Passionate about sharing his journey, Jim is the co-host of Dementia Australia’s podcast Hold the Moment.

More details

Parking

Parking is available under State Library and the Queensland Art Gallery, accessible via Stanley Place. A flat fee of $17 per entry, per day. Payment to be made on entry by credit card only (Visa or MasterCard).

Public transport

The Edge at the State Library of Queensland is very well serviced by public transport. Please visit the TransLink website for specific information regarding the best route from your location.

Bus

The Edge is located approximately 150 m from the Cultural Centre bus stop. Walk down the river-side of the Queensland Art Gallery. The Edge is located 100m on the right.

Ferry

The closest CityCat ferry stop is Southbank. After disembarking from the ferry, turn right and walk along the river for approximately 600 m. To enter The Edge walk up the stairs on the left located 100m past the Victoria bridge.

Train

South Brisbane train station is located on Grey Street, approximately 250m from The Edge. Exit South Brisbane Train Station on to Grey Street and turn left. Walk down Grey Street to the Melbourne Street intersection and cross both streets to the Queensland Museum. Walk down Melbourne Street past the Queensland Museum and turn left to walk down the river-side of the Queensland Art Gallery. After 100m, The Edge will be on the right.