🌍 In this episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we feature Maree McCabe, a transformative leader in the field of dementia care and advocacy. As the former CEO of Dementia Australia and a recipient of the prestigious Order of Australia, Maree has spent her career championing the rights of individuals living with dementia, along with their families and carers. Her passion and dedication have redefined what’s possible in dementia care, transforming fear and resignation into a vision of hope and possibility.
The Global Challenge of Dementia
Dementia is a pressing issue, affecting 55 million people worldwide—a number expected to double by 2054. In Australia alone, over 450,000 people live with dementia, making it the country’s second leading cause of death and the leading cause of death among women. Maree explains that dementia encompasses over 150 types, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. It’s not a normal part of aging, but it’s more prevalent as people live longer.
“Dementia impacts not just individuals but entire families,” Maree shares. “The changes it brings—whether in memory, mood, or daily function—can be overwhelming, but understanding and support make a profound difference.”
A Personal and Professional Journey
Maree’s commitment to dementia care is deeply personal. Her father was diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies, and the experience of caring for him illuminated gaps in awareness, resources, and support. “I wish I had known then what I know now,” Maree reflects, emphasizing how education and understanding could have eased her father’s journey and her family’s challenges.
Her professional journey began in mental health and aged care, but her personal experience ignited her passion for transforming dementia care at scale. Under her leadership, Dementia Australia unified its efforts across states and territories, becoming a powerful advocate for those living with dementia and their carers.
Empowering Communities Through Innovation
Maree’s work with Dementia Australia extends far beyond traditional care. The organization provides a range of support, including counseling, peer support groups, and education for carers and healthcare professionals. Maree’s team also spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives like Memory Lane Cafes and dementia-friendly community programs, creating spaces where people with dementia can thrive.
A standout achievement is the use of technology to foster empathy and understanding. Virtual reality programs allow carers to experience what it’s like to live with dementia, transforming their approach to care. “Experiential learning changes everything,” Maree says. “It helps carers see the world through the eyes of those they support.”
Living Well With Dementia
Maree passionately advocates for seeing dementia not as an end, but as a new beginning. She highlights how people with dementia can continue to contribute and live fulfilling lives with the right support. From brain health apps like BrainTrack to empowering people with dementia as global advocates, Maree is redefining what’s possible.
“Dementia is not the absence of a future,” she says. “It’s the beginning of something different. Together, we can create a new reality.”
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