Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Wednesday 09 September
6:15 PM - 7:15 PM
Christine Bryden was a science advisor to the prime minister and a divorced mother of three when she went to see a doctor about the severe migraines she was suffering. Shortly after, at the age of 46, she was diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
That was in 1995. Two decades since her diagnosis, Bryden has written several books, been elected to the board of Alzheimer’s Disease International, travelled the world as an advocate in the Alzheimer’s movement and even remarried.
The progress of Bryden’s condition has been remarkably slow, allowing her to describe the day-to-day experience of dementia to professionals, policy-makers, carers and other people living with the condition. Her successful efforts to retain as much cognitive function as possible give credence to the idea of neuroplasticity and the possibility that the brain can rewire itself.
Bryden will discuss her latest book – Before I Forget, a memoir detailing her early life, her diagnosis and her advocacy work – as well as her tips for retaining brain function. She will be joined by her husband, Paul Bryden, in conversation with Natasha Mitchell.
Featuring
Christine Bryden
For most of her adult life, Christine had a brilliant career as a biochemist, working in the pharmaceutical industry in the UK, for the CSIRO in Australia and then as a senior executive in the Australian public service, providing advice to the prime minister on science and technology.
In 1995 she was diagnosed with younger-onset dementia at the age of 46, and since then has become a passionate advocate for people with dementia, addressing conferences around the world and appearing in the media. Her books have been published in several languages, and in 2003 she became the first person with dementia to be elected to the board of Alzheimer's Disease International.
Christine is a mother of three girls and now has survived dementia for long enough – defying all medical expectations – to become a grandmother to four delightful children. Her new life in the slow lane of dementia has become fulfilling in so many ways. Christine is a survivor and holds out the beacon of hope to all those being diagnosed, and to their families travelling this journey beside them.
Natasha Mitchell
Natasha Mitchell is a multi-award-winning journalist, radio presenter, podcaster, and audio storyteller. She is host of the ABC Radio National's flagship Big Ideas program and podcast, was founding host and producer ...