Sir Richard Faull appointed as Patron of Alzheimers NZ

Sir Richard Faull appointed as Patron of Alzheimers NZ

Alzheimers NZ is pleased to announce a new Patron - distinguished Professor and brain researcher, Sir Richard Faull.

With 40 years of human brain research under his belt, Sir Richard Faull is the director for the Centre of Brain Research at the University of Auckland and is co-director of Brain Research NZ, which has research clinics in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Sir Richard was always told by his parents the most important thing he could do is look after people. In his new role as patron of Alzheimers NZ, he plans to do just that.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to do the work I do, and it’s so important for me to share it with New Zealand,” he said.

Alzheimers NZ is a national charity with more than 30 years’ experience representing people living with dementia. They do this by raising awareness of the condition, providing information and resources, advocating for high quality services, and promoting research about prevention, treatment, cure and care.

Alzheimers NZ chair, Ngaire Dixon says “We are delighted to welcome Sir Richard Faull as our Patron. As NZ’s most well respected researcher in this area, he will make a significant contribution to our aim of raising more awareness of dementia in NZ. It is a privilege to have Sir Richard as part of our Alzheimers NZ family.”

The announcement of Sir Richard’s appointment as Patron, coincides with World Alzheimer’s Month in September. World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign to raise awareness and understanding of dementia. Alzheimers NZ and local Alzheimers organisations are running events around the country.

“This role will allow me to bridge the gap between our research community and the dementia community. The more our two communities work as a team, the more we can do to find solutions to what is one of the biggest healthcare challenges facing New Zealand and many other countries.” says Sir Richard.

Sir Richard has been working with families with Alzheimer’s for the last 30 years and says this research wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of the families who are touched by dementia.

“These families give us the most incredible and wonderful gift; it is my duty to give back to them.”

ENDS

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