Media
For all media enquiries relating to Alzheimers NZ please contact us:
Daniel Paul
Phone: 021 400 993/04 387 8264
Email: comms@alzheimers.org.nz
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Recent media releases
2021
- Government urged to implement first-ever national dementia plan
- Spike in dementia cases to generate major health equity issues
- “Still terrible”: How NZ compares globally
- Dementia funding falls well short of what’s needed
- Cautiously optimistic about the FDA approval of new dementia drug Aducanumab
- Global dementia report says NZ must do better
- Picton Library and Service Centre Waitohi Whare Mātauranga becomes the first dementia friendly library
- Shortbreads help Kiwis with dementia
- Health and disability restructure on the right track
2020
- Read Dementia Learning Centre an 'educational first' for NZ here
- Read The harsh reality of dementia in New Zealand here
- Read Dementia 'finally recognised' under Labour here
- Read World Alzheimer Report 2020 here
- Read Covid-19 impacts kiwi with dementia here
- Read Action 'long overdue' - Monitoring mechanism report here
- Read 'Direction of travel' of Health and Disability System review here
- Read Dementia - urgent action needed now more than ever here
2019
- Read Alzheimers NZ call for urgent action on demential healthcare challenge here
- Read Alzheimers NZ and Ryman Healthcare combat dementia stigma here
- Read Budget 2019 - People with dementia obviously don't count here
- Read Carers desperately need some care, new report shows here
- Read New research shines light on dementia here
- Read Dr Andrea Kwakowsky Alzheimers NZ Fellowship here
2018
- Read Dementia services across NZ recieve $400,000 boost here
- Read 2019 Budget: Change the game for kiwis living with dementia here
- Read The Alzheimers NZ conference is the event of the year here
- Read Government is dropping the ball on dementia care and support here
- Read Public trust customer centres - Dementia friendly status here
- Read Walk to remember, walk for dementia this September here
- Read World Alzheimers month - Media advisory
- Read Concern for those held in aged care facilities without consent here
- Read Kiwis share their dementia experience here
- Read Dementia donation sets record here
- Read Hopes high health sector review - NZ's healthcare challenges here
- Read Global support shows governments are slow here
- Read Significant healthcare challenge ignored in budget here
- Read Businesses must act now for people living with dementia here
- Read Alzheimers NZ's new Dementia Friends Programme here
Reporting on dementia
Things to keep in mind when reporting on dementia:
Media plays an important role in communication ideas and information to the public. Here are some key things to keep in mind to ensure you are reporting responsibly on the condition:
Positive images
Positive images are in breaking down the fear and stigma surrounding dementia, and making the condition one that people are more encouraged to discuss. This might mean using images or reporting on people with dementia who are actively engaged in their communities and living a happy life.
A “cure” for dementia
It is important to be cautious when discussing the possibility of a “cure”. While this may make appealing media, inaccurate or exaggerated suggestions in this area can be harmful for people affected by dementia.
Where to go for help
Media can help people affected by dementia to get a diagnosis, help and support by including a point of contact in their coverage.
People who are concerned that they or someone they know has dementia should be directed to their GP in the first instance. For information, support and services they should contact Alzheimers New Zealand on 0800 004 001 or visit www.alzheimers.org.nz
Normalising the condition
Telling the stories of people with dementia, particularly high profile people who have an experience with the condition, can be helpful in normalising the condition and breaking down the stigma associated with dementia.
Interviewing someone with dementia
- Interviewing someone with dementia may require patience, and in some instances it may be best to include their support person/family/whanāu.
- If you are interviewing someone with dementia, allow more time for questions and repeat questions as required.
- Ask only one clearly phrased question at a time and be clear and precise about what you are asking.
- Be aware that because dementia is a memory condition, it may be difficult for the person to answer questions which require them to draw on their memory.
- It is common to receive short, concise responses rather than drawn out explanations from people with dementia
- Don’t confuse dementia with a hearing disability. It may help to speak clearly, but is not necessary to raise your voice.
- Treat the person with dementia like any other interviewee. Act naturally, greet them with a handshake, and avoid patronising or over-praising.
- If you do not understand the answer you receive, ask for clarification, or repeat what you have understood for confirmation.
- Avoid correcting, interrupting or speaking on behalf of the person.
- Remember the individual behind the condition. Report them as a person first and one who has dementia second. Listen to their story.
- It is useful to run over the information provided with the person’s support person/family/whanāu after the interview, or provide a draft of your article for fact checking if possible.