As a doctor with an unquenchable passion for brain health and preventive medicine, I’ve spent years advocating for a lifestyle that supports not only our body but also our mind. I’ve seen, both professionally and personally, how challenging dementia can be — not only for those diagnosed, but for their families and communities. And yet, I’ve also seen how much hope, joy, and possibility still exist for those living with dementia, especially when the right support is in place.
That’s why I’ve chosen to embark on an adventure that embodies all the things that boost our brain, reduce our risk of dementia, and slow disease progression if met with a diagnosis. From the 1st to 20th August I’ll be hiking the stunning 300+km Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka in support of the UK charity, Dementia Adventure. It’s a Mission with a Momentous Message:
- To raise awareness that we can improve our brain at any age or stage of life
- To support a remarkable organisation making a tangible difference
To demonstrate that small consistent steps add up to a big impact.
Dementia Adventure is an incredible charity that believes in something I wholeheartedly support: that life does not end with a diagnosis of dementia. Too often, people with dementia are isolated and stripped of the experiences that give life meaning — adventure, nature, connection and purpose. Dementia Adventure challenges that narrative by providing supported holidays and outdoor experiences for people living with dementia and their carers. They enable families to create joyful memories, access nature safely, and rediscover a sense of freedom and exhilaration.
They also offer vital training and education for carers and health professionals, equipping people with the skills to support those with dementia compassionately and confidently. This work is critical, and it needs more voices, more awareness, and more funding to expand and continue.
Living adventurously is a prescription for brain health.
As well as promoting brain health in clinics, classrooms and conferences, I also make every effort to live it in my personal life. An adventurous life is a brain-healthy life. Hiking, learning, connecting with people and nature — these aren’t just feel-good ideas; they’re proven strategies for maintaining cognitive vitality. The science is clear: setting meaningful goals, stepping out of our comfort zone, regular physical activity, social interaction, mental stimulation, novelty, and time outdoors all contribute to a healthier brain and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
By hiking the Pekoe Trail, I want to embody the message I exuberantly share. This trek is itself a brain-boosting endeavour. It will challenge my body, stimulate my mind, connect me with nature, and immerse me in rich new culture — all protective factors for brain health. With every step through Sri Lanka’s tea country — through misty hills, bustling villages, and lush forests — I want to encourage people to stretch themselves and embark on their own adventure — to do whatever lights them up and brings them joy.
This trek is also deeply personal. For ten years, I cared for my father at home as he lived with both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. My hike along the Pekoe Trail is also a tribute to him — to the values he instilled in me, the humour he retained throughout his illness, and the lessons he taught me about crusading for what I believed in. With every step I take, I honour his memory and the countless families walking this path right now.
I’m not just doing this for charity, I want to educate people everywhere that dementia is not inevitable, and that we can all be proactive in looking after our brains. I want people to know the signs, understand the science, and feel empowered to take control of their brain health through lifestyle choices. Whether that’s through diet, movement, learning new things, or reconnecting with nature — there are steps we can take right now. Hiking the Pekoe Trail in support of Dementia Adventure brings all of this together: adventure, advocacy, education, and action. It’s a powerful symbol of what’s possible when we live intentionally and support one another. I hope to raise funds, yes — but more than that, I hope to raise awareness. I want to spark conversations, inspire change, and remind people that our brains are worth the effort.
This trail may be long, but so is the journey toward better brain health for everyone. I’m excited to take each step with purpose — for those living with dementia, for their families, and for a future where everyone enthusiastically lives in a brain-healthy way.
To quote Michelangelo: ‘The greatest risk a person can take is not to aim too high and miss, but to aim too low and hit.’
To learn more about the inspiring work of Dementia Adventure, click here.
Or to make a donation, click here.
Please share this Health-e-Byte with anyone with a diagnosis of dementia or who knows someone with dementia.
Photo Credit: This is a photo of Hummanaya Blowhole by photographer Malinda Bandara. It is the only known blowhole in Sri Lanka, and is believed to be the second largest blowhole in the world. ‘Hummanaya’ refers to the ‘hoo’ sound that can be heard when water rushes up out of the hole.
