Sienna Cini is one of these people. A former nurse for many years, she had first-hand experience with the way dementia affects an individual and their families. Ms Cini is passionate about the issue, having seen the pain the condition can cause.

"I can't imagine either one of my parents not remembering me," she told The Courier. "The impact of that is heartbreaking."

While no longer working as a nurse, she now works for another organisation that supports those impacted by dementia.

Ms Cini, who has only lived in Ballarat for a year and a half, said COVID put a dampener on her desire to become involved with the community.

After seeing a flyer pinned up in a local IGA supermarket about Dementia Australia's Memory Walk and Jog, Ms Cini thought fundraising for the "amazing cause" and taking part in the walk would be one way to make a difference while giving back to the community.

The organisation provides information, education and support services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia and the almost two million people involved in their care. It also supports vital research.

The event plays an important role in funding support but also in raising awareness of dementia throughout communities. This weekend is the first time the event is coming to Ballarat.

The Ballarat event is one of 17 to be hosted across Australia this year, with each offering a family-friendly course suitable for all fitness levels. The course can be completed as an individual or as a team and the distance of two, six or eight kilometres can be run, walked or jogged.

In the lead up to the event Ms Cini has raised almost $6000, and will on Sunday walk the six-kilometre distance on her own.

Statistics provided by Dementia Australia reveal there are an estimated 3400 people currently living with dementia in Ballarat.

This is estimated to rise to 7000 by 2058 without a medical breakthrough.

Fundraising is on track to exceed the $32,000 fundraising target in Ballarat, with the organisation hoping to raise more than $1.6 million this year.

Ms Cini said a medical breakthrough and possible cure for dementia would mean people would no longer have to "suffer in the worst way possible".

"No family should ever have to go through watching someone lose who they are as a person."

People can continue to sign up to the walk until midnight the night before the event, and can also sign up on the day.

The Memory Walk and Jog will take place from 7am on Sunday, April 18.

Register for the Ballarat Memory Walk and Jog event now, or find out about the other events planned across Australia at www.memorywalk.com.au

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available and the Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au

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