UC student highlights importance of physical activity in dementia care

University of Canberra physiotherapy student Matthew Boom has won high praise for raising awareness of the benefits of physical activity for people living with dementia.

Mr Boom took out first prize in Dementia Training Australia’s National Dementia Storytelling Competition for his eye-catching poster that captures how physical activity improves quality of life for people living with dementia.

The third-year student was one of six people from around Australia who were named as winners in the national competition.

Mr Boom designed the infographic Maintaining Adventure with Dementia to raise awareness of the role physiotherapy plays in dementia care.

“Winning first prize absolutely took me by surprise,” Mr Boom said. “When I entered, I thought even if I could get second or third place it would be great exposure of the role physiotherapy plays in dementia care. I’ve always had an interest in dementia as I’ve been working in residential aged care for about three years.”