Mark Jobbins cycles into Port Macquarie as part of coast to coast New Zealand dementia challenge

The two day 267-kilometre journey is organised by WeWill.

As part of his training for the event – and to help raise awareness and understanding of dementia – Mr Jobbins decided to cycle 450 kilometres from Myall Lakes to Port Macquarie and to Tweed Heads.

He says each of the three centres are hot spots for dementia.

"The ride up the coast is just part of the training I have set myself for the New Zealand challenge," he said.

"If I can raise awareness of dementia and help people to change their lifestyles to help reduce the risks, then that is great.

"I am starting to learn more about dementia and dementia care as part of this journey. 

"Hopefully I can encourage people to be more active in their own lifestyles."

Mark's father passed away a number of years ago but lived the last few years of his life with dementia.

While it was sad to experience, Mark says getting more physically and mentally active are key to help reduce the impacts of dementia.

"My dad was a mechanical engineer and was involved in leading edge technology of his time. He was very structured and ended up struggling with the day to day events of his life.

"My goal is to help inspire a few more people to get a bit more active and get involved in the aged care services that are available in their areas."

A busy executive from Newport in Sydney, Mr Jobbins realised 12 months ago that he was leading a more sedentary lifestyle.

He approached WeWill and spoke about some possible challenges.

The coast to coast event was "quite a large challenge to take onboard," he admitted.

"But it certainly spurred me on to get my health back in line and to get a better balance in my own life," he said.

"Just becoming a little bit more active has given me real and positive health benefits.

"I suppose my midlife crisis was to get from one side of New Zealand to the other," he said.

During his visit to Port Macquarie, Mr Jobbins visited Omnicare's Morton St Respite Day Centre.

He said his perception of what centre's caring for people living with dementia would be like has changed in the past 12 months.

"The care shown at this centre is wonderful and the staff are heavily invested in helping people enjoy the best possible experience.

"I have learnt that dementia is not necessarily the end of life. I know that sounds dramatic, but this is another phase and there are lots of positives people can take out of it."

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia.

The number of Australians with probable dementia is estimated to be 413,106 with this number projecting to increase by 33% to 536,164 by 2025 and 2.75 fold 1,100,890 by 2056.

Currently around 244 Australians are diagnosed with dementia every day. The number of new cases of dementia is expected to increase to 318 Australians per day by 2025 and over 650 people per day by 2056. 

Port Macquarie is reported to have the third highest rate of dementia in NSW behind Tweed and Myall Lakes.

New research suggests that decisions you make in mid-life can impact your chances of getting dementia. Healthy habits around exercise, weight control, eating a balanced diet and not smoking from an early age could help slow the progression of dementia over decades.

WeWill founder Nick Gatland said the organisation helps people achieve goals and inspire others.

"The challenge has to be something significant and we put structures, coaching and training around that.

"Mark has learnt to kayak and cycle as part of his challenge."

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