A little support makes a big difference

Meet Bill

Bill was diagnosed with younger onset dementia at the age of 59. He enjoys helping and showing others how it is possible to still lead a better life.

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After graduating from Pharmacy, Bill entered the field of education where he taught senior physics and chemistry for over 35 years. He is married to Nicole, and they have three children, Liam, Samantha and Caitlin, and two grandchildren, Alaska and Haven.

In July 2019, at the age of 59, Bill was diagnosed with younger onset dementia. He has a keen interest in learning how to best manage his diagnosis on a daily basis. He enjoys helping and showing others who are also living with dementia how it is possible to still lead a better life. As well as being a volunteer surf lifesaver, Bill competed in Masters Swimming and Surf Lifesaving Championships at a local, state and national level. In September, he will compete in his first international competition.

Bill is a member of Dementia Australia’s Dementia Advocate Program and Vice Chair of Dementia Alliance International. He has recently started to share his experiences at international conferences as a way of raising awareness about dementia, focusing on the need to remain positive and the importance of having the support and friendship of others in your journey.