I think most of us are touched at some stage during our lifetime with the illness known as Dementia, whether it be a loved one, a relative or friend. As we get older too there is always the fear at the back of our minds as to whether we will contract this debilitating disease during our twilight years.

Here are three facts about Dementia:

1. Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with the person’s normal social or working life.
2. Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to remember that not all older people get dementia. It is not a normal part of ageing.
3. Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65 years. People in their 40s and 50s can also have dementia.

The early signs of dementia are very subtle and vague and may not be immediately obvious. Some common symptoms may include:

• Progressive and frequent memory loss
• Confusion
• Personality change
• Apathy and withdrawal
• Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks.

There are more than 353,800 Australians living with Dementia and it is on the rise. It is therefore paramount that more research is done into this disease that affects so many.

Recently I was approached to promote a Kilimanjaro challenge to raise much needed funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, which I happily agreed to post on my website.

So if you are interested in combining raising money for a cause close to everyone’s heart and conquering Kilimanjaro, it doesn’t get much more gratifying than this! The fundraising team will guarantee that this will be an experience that you will be proud of and reminisce about for a very long time. Imagine how incredible it would be to conquer Kilimanjaro with a group who are ALL fighting for this amazing cause!

The fundraising team will be helping you every step of the way, from confirming your place on the trip to raising your first dollar, reaching the summit and returning home a new person! They are very excited about this new adventure and will take good care of you.

They will provide you with your own fundraising pack which includes hints and tips for fundraising. You will also be sent a pack list and a health checklist to go over with your doctor. Emma, the Community Fundraising Executive, will help you set up your own JustGiving fundraising page and share with you the many ways that you can let people know about what you are doing.

Adventure Alternative – a company with extremely experienced staff – are conducting the climb. They will be happy to answer any questions that you may have both before and during your trip.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Dominating the landscape like no other mountain, both iconic and instantly recognizable, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest peak in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. At 5,895 metres, to climb Kilimanjaro is a great challenge, not to be underestimated, but entirely feasible for the hill walker looking to combine a high mountain adventure with a trip to Africa.

Kilimanjaro translates to “mountain of the springs” and its unique position just below the equator offers an opportunity to experience five different habitats from bottom to top, which makes an ascent of the mountain undeniably special. In a matter of days you’ll climb Kilimanjaro from the equator to what feels like the Arctic, moving through grasslands, tropical rainforest, alpine meadows, moorlands and desert uplands to snow and ice.

It is the fundraising team’s priority to ensure that this experience is a very positive one. They understand that there will be challenges along the way, but they see this as an unmissable opportunity to bring like-minded people together in the fight against Dementia. Not only is this an opportunity to raise vital funds, but it will be tremendously helpful in promoting their cause and raising awareness.

For further details visit Fight Dementia or download an information pack HERE

So if you are the adventurous type looking for a great challenge, combined with travelling to the African continent and being part of a great team whilst raising much needed funds for Dementia, then I fully recommend this wonderful once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You only live once!