Ageing is Inevitable - Dementia is Not.
Giving in support of super-ager Brian Barry
Brian with Rose on their engagement; Brian with his immediate family at his 100th birthday celebrations. Photo credit from 100th birthday party: https://www.gmphotographics.com.au/
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On 6 February 2026, super-ager Brian Barry turns 102. Brian has shared his story with Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) and urges others to understand that ageing is inevitable – dementia is not.
Brian shares his personal experience of caring for his beloved wife, Rose, through her 13 years of cognitive decline, to her passing at 93 from dementia. Brian is unwavering about one thing: dementia research must keep going. "If we can improve that little bit of knowledge and say to the person looking after someone with dementia that there can be hope in the later years, that would mean a lot."
In Australia, an estimated 1.7 million people are involved in the care of someone living with dementia - as partners, adult children, friends or neighbours. Dementia is not just a diagnosis for one person; it reshapes entire families and communities, often over many years.
At CHeBA, our research - including 15-year long studies on centenarians, twins and people over the age of 65 - show that while ageing is universal, dementia risk is not fixed. Genetics play a role, but so do environment, lifestyle and social factors.
Donate to CHeBA’s research into better diagnosis, treatment and prevention today and support Brian’s message of encouragement to our researchers – a clear and simple 'Keep trying'.
Brian Barry is a celebrated figure in Australian rugby league, with a career spanning decades both on and off the field. He is a Life Member and Ambassador of the NSW Rugby League Referees Association, as well as a Life Member of the North Sydney Referees Association. Brian was awarded the prestigious Cox Award for his outstanding contribution to refereeing. During his career, he refereed six Grand Finals between 1972 and 1977 as a touch judge and refereed 16 First Grade games, earning a reputation for fairness, professionalism, and dedication to the sport. Beyond rugby league, Brian is recognised for his lifelong commitment to community, connection and promoting healthy, active ageing.
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