When Professor Henry Brodaty's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 52, dementia was a condition shrouded in misunderstanding and often neglected by society. This personal experience ignited a lifelong passion that would ultimately revolutionise the field of psychiatry and reshape how dementia is diagnosed, cared for, and prevented.
A Vision for Cognitive Health Across the Lifespan
Accepting the prestigious 2026 Senior Australian of the Year award, Professor Brodaty emphasised that dementia remains a critical national health priority. He highlighted the profound impact on over 430,000 Australians living with the condition and more than a million family carers who support them.
"Look, we can't deny it - dementia is a national health priority," he stated during the ceremony. "It's our challenge, all of us."
Groundbreaking Research and Preventative Strategies
In 2012, Professor Brodaty co-founded the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at UNSW, leading internationally significant research that has enhanced global understanding of risk factors and prevention methods. His landmark Maintain Your Brain trial demonstrated that straightforward lifestyle interventions can significantly delay the onset of dementia and, in some cases, prevent it altogether.
This represents a dramatic shift from the era when his father was diagnosed, a time characterised by limited support for both patients and carers.
"We have a vision at the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at UNSW, and our vision is to live our life with good cognitive health our full lifespan," Professor Brodaty explained. "So is that possible? Can we really prevent dementia, or at least delay its onset? Well, yes - almost half the cost of dementia is caused by preventable factors that we can modify in our lifestyle."
Early Advocacy and Lasting Legacy
Professor Brodaty's commitment to dementia care began decades earlier. In 1982, he played a pivotal role in establishing Dementia Australia in New South Wales, laying the groundwork for improved support systems and public awareness.
"I want to say that people think more about their hair than what's underneath," he remarked, advocating for greater attention to brain health. "We should treasure our brains just as we have our hearts."
Now at 78 years of age, Professor Brodaty continues to lead efforts that have reshaped dementia care from every conceivable angle. His work navigates toward a future where dementia is not only better treated but increasingly preventable, offering hope to countless individuals and families across Australia and around the world.
