Ms Alison Lim

On a family trip in 2012, Alison mistakenly called guacamole - "Guatemale". Recognising the signs from her husband’s family history of dementia, Alison sought help.
In 2016, Alison was diagnosed with a rare dementia called Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). She was in her 50s. Unable to find support, Alison "stalked" young-onset dementia persons (people diagnosed before 65) outside clinics to invited them home to further understand this confusing journey. She was also very fortunate to meet scientists, researchers, and neurologists, including the professor who coined the term "PPA".
Shortly after her diagnosis, Alison and her daughter Jamie started Dementia & Co, a support network for raising dementia awareness and helping families navigate similar challenges. To date, they have worked with over 200 families, supporting each other with the acronym T.R.E.E.E.S. - Trust, Respect and Remember for us to Engage, Enjoy, Encircle Safe.

Hopes
Alison’s dream for a Dementia-Friendly Singapore is where people, society are excited to meet and connect with persons living with dementia. Through Dementia & Co, Alison wants to help create support groups for newly diagnosed individuals and their families across Singapore - in every HDB block, Tea Dance session, community club, active aging centre, and hospital. The goal is to remove stigma and replace society’s fear of dementia with fun and joy.

Synopsis
Through this symposium, Alison hopes to highlight the importance of "self-care, mutual respect and mutual support" for everyone involved with the dementia community - medical professionals, care agencies, persons living with dementia and their families. Alison hopes that this symposium will also be the beginning of open dialogues and fun collaborations. Together, we can reinforce the spirit of a Dementia-Friendly Singapore.

Track Title: Living with Dementia and Not Stopping
Date: 17 July 2025, Thursday
Time: 4.10PM
Breakout Session: Track 4 – Voices From The Community