Opening Doors to Brain Workout: A Community’s Journey with Dementia
By Versa Sood, Improvement and Development Manager for Dementia, Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board
To mark Dementia Action Week (19-25 May), we’re sharing a series of blogs written by members of our dementia team and NHS colleagues who lead work to improve dementia care in regions across Wales.
View our dementia pages to see how we’re working together to make Wales dementia friendly.
The Hindu Cultural Association, in collaboration with the Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board and 34 other partners, launched the inaugural “Opening Doors to Brain Workout” event, focusing on raising awareness of dementia within the South Asian community in Cardiff. Hosted at the India Centre, the event was offered free of charge and marked a significant step in community-led engagement on dementia-related issues.
The event featured various information stalls, interactive activities, and discussions, creating a welcoming space for community members to learn about dementia and explore support options. Among the day’s highlights was the inclusive “Yoga For All” session, designed to promote physical and mental well-being regardless of age or ability, emphasising yoga’s potential benefits for those living with dementia.
A poignant moment came when Simran, a local community member, shared her emotional experience with her mother’s dementia journey. She spoke of the initial stigma and misinterpretations within the family, including a belief in spiritual possession. These misconceptions delayed her mother’s diagnosis and care. Simran’s story underscored the urgent need for culturally sensitive awareness and support systems, especially in communities where stigma remains prevalent.
After a lunch break, more stories emerged. Another attendee expressed frustration with the medical system’s lack of personalised understanding, calling for professionals to listen more to families who know the patient best. These heartfelt testimonies emphasised that the person behind the diagnosis must not be forgotten.
Academic representatives from the University of South Wales, Edward Oloidi and Juping Yu, spoke about the importance of inclusive research and the need to involve Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities meaningfully. They highlighted how academic jargon can be a barrier to understanding and participation.
Adding lighter moments to the day, Dr. Nathdwarwala conducted a laughter yoga session, and MHM Wales facilitated a “Brain Workout” quiz, promoting mental stimulation in a fun and engaging way.
The event concluded with a Q&A session featuring dementia care experts, including Dr. Biju Mohamad and others, who answered questions and discussed topics like dementia-friendly hospital practices and the need for unpaid carers to receive training and support. They highlighted the Dementia Friendly Hospital Charter and stressed the role of the community in care efforts.
Gabriel Mandal of Mental Health Matters praised the collaborative and innovative spirit of the event.
I, along with key stakeholders, shared reflections, emphasising the power of weekly collaboration and co-production in planning community-centred engagements.
Community members like Mrs. Sharma shared that the event helped address the isolation felt by those grieving the loss of loved ones during the pandemic. The initiative was celebrated as a model for co-producing services that reflect lived experiences and cultural values.
Ceri Higgins, an unpaid carer, summarised the spirit of the event best: “co-production is not just about better services—it’s about building relationships, improving well-being, and ensuring that those affected by dementia are active participants in shaping the support they receive.”