2024 is off to a great start as Dementia Alliance International (DAI) proudly congratulate our esteemed Chair, Alister Robertson, who has been honored with the Queen’s Service Medal for his outstanding contributions to dementia advocacy. Alister's journey, from a personal diagnosis to becoming a relentless champion for change, is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia.
We rejoice in Alister's achievement which comes 9 years after being diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's at the age of 60, mirroring a similar journey his father faced. With a background in banking and finance and a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce, Alister has channeled his own experiences into DAI’s mission to ensure that those living with dementia are given the support and respect they deserve.
As a dedicated advocate, Alister has been a Board member of Alzheimers NZ since 2018 and a member of the Alzheimers NZ Lived Experience Advisory Group since 2016. He joined DAI in 2016, has been a Board member since 2017 and was elected as Chair in January 2021.
Despite the challenges faced in an environment where funding struggles to keep pace with demand, Alister's leadership played a pivotal role in the development and release of the Dementia Declaration for New Zealand. This powerful statement outlines what living well with dementia looks like, offering hope and inspiration to those navigating this journey. On top of this, he’s also working with the wider dementia sector to develop the first New Zealand Dementia Plan so more support networks can be activated and funded in the future.
In conclusion, we celebrate Alister Robertson as our remarkable leader and extend our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved honor. His journey from personal diagnosis to advocacy serves as an inspiration, embodying the power of one individual to effect positive change. As Chair, Alister continues to uphold DAI’s values, and we are proud to have him as a member of our community.
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About DAI: Dementia Alliance International (DAI) is a non-profit group of people with dementia from around the world seeking to represent, support, and educate others living with the disease that it is possible to live more positively than advised with dementia. It is an organization that promotes a unified voice of strength, advocacy and support in the fight for individual autonomy, improved quality of life, and for the human and legal rights of all with dementia and their families.