AAG Conversations: From Research to Practice
Episode 2

Cultural considerations for dementia,
risk reduction and co-design 

We plan to record this event and make that recording
available to all registrants subsequently
If you can't make it on the day we encourage you to register
anyway so that you receive that link

Access to the recording in our video library will be
restricted to AAG members and webinar registrants

We're excited to launch our second instalment in the AAG Conversations: Research to Practice series, sponsored by the AAG Research Trust. 

These bi-monthly online discussions aim to bring cutting edge research directly to health professionals across the aged care sector, while showcasing the innovative work of AAG Research Trust awardees and demonstrating how evidence based findings can meaningfully inform everyday practice.

This month's conversation will dive into cultural considerations in risk reduction and co-design for people with dementia. This not to miss interactive panel discussion will feature 2022 AAG Research Trust Strategic Innovation Program awardee (funded in partnership with the Dementia Australia Research Foundation) A/Prof Joyce Siette, 2025 Hal Kendig Research Development Program awardee Dr Sally Day, AAG Life Member and inaugural Fellow, Sharon Wall and Daniela Montero Prieto President, Dementia Action Groups.

What to Expect:

• Informal, open and engaging panel discussion
  
• Lived experience reflections
  
• Interactive Q&A
  
• Access to post-event recording (AAG members and event registrants only)
  
  

Who should attend:

• Health professionals
• Practitioners, researchers, advocates, policy specialists
• and anyone interested in ageing well and applying evidence informed approaches in practice

Hear from our speakers:  

A/Prof Joyce Siette
Deputy Director, MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University
Joyce is Associate Professor in Healthy Ageing, Deputy Director of the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, and 2022 AAG Research Trust Strategic Innovation Program awardee (funded in partnership with the Dementia Australia Research Foundation). Her research is largely focused on understanding the behavioural and social mechanisms underpinning healthy brain lifestyles in older adults. Joyce is a past Co-Chair for AAG NSW Division (2020-2025).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-siette-3b58b5170/

Note: due to unexpected circumstances, Dr Sally Day is unable to participate in the panel discussion as previously advertised. We are pleased to welcome Dr Diana Metrovic to the panel and look forward to her expertise and knowledge in dementia research.

Dr Diana Matovic
Postdoctoral researcher
Member of the Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre
Diana, a 2023 AAG Research Trust RM Gibson Program awardee (funded in partnership with the Dementia Australia Research Foundation) manages the Ageing Well Tool, which helps identify dementia and wellbeing risk factors in older adults in primary care and provides evidence-based recommendations for risk reduction. Her research focuses on social participation, mental health and wellbeing, and the role of social relationships in supporting cognition and positive mood in older adults, including those living with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-matovic-38626417b/  

Sharon Wall
Director of Ageing by Caring Pty Ltd
Sharon is a life member of the AAG and has worked for over 45 years at the interface of education, clinical best practice, research and translation in ageing.  Over that time, she has developed a special interest in caring for those living with dementia, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds, demonstrated interest in end-of-life issues and decision making for older people, and has been published in all these areas. The final 15 years of her career were spent passionately and proudly working beside magnificent Elders and warriors in Aboriginal Health and Ageing, translating dementia research into practical resources and outcomes for communities. Sharon is the co-convenor of the Older Members Group (OMG), which is a self-selecting, active advisory network of older AAG members who represent a highly skilled and deeply experienced cohort of gerontologists with diverse disciplines and practice boundaries whose expertise in ageing, coupled with professional and lived experience, offer significant value to the AAG community and the global movement to reimagine ageing.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-wall-007b576/ 


Daniela Montero Prieto
President, Dementia Action Groups
Daniela is a dementia carer, speaker, and advocate passionate about supporting people with dementia and their families, especially in culturally and linguistically diverse rural communities (CALD). After caring for her great-grandmother, Daniela became dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and helping families navigate the dementia journey. As President of Dementia Action Groups, she leads community initiatives on connection, education, and advocacy, as well as delivers dementia workshops in Spanish to support multicultural communities and improve access to culturally appropriate information. Daniela runs monthly meetings for the Blue Mountains Dementia Action Groups, offering education, support, and community connections for carers and people with dementia. This group was formed to address support gaps in CALD and rural communities, ensuring lived experience voices stay central to dementia discussions and actions.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-montero-prieto-88157872/

Registration fees: 

Free for AAG members 

Fee for non-members, aligned with the high value of new research insights shared through the series ($50)

In collaboration with:
AAG Older Members Group (OMG) and