From MADEC’s Board to international conferences, Bill Yeates is helping shape a more inclusive future for people living with dementia.
When MADEC welcomed Bill Yeates to its Board of Directors, we gained far more than an experienced board member. We gained one of the world’s leading lived-experience advocates for people living with dementia.
Bill brings a unique perspective to MADEC’s governance. His professional expertise, combined with his personal experience of living with young onset Alzheimer’s disease, has made him a respected voice on the global stage and a passionate advocate for improving the lives of people living with dementia and their families.
Turning a Diagnosis into a Purpose
In 2019, Bill was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 59. Like many people, the diagnosis initially changed the course of his life. Rather than allowing dementia to define him, Bill chose a different path—one focused on advocacy, education and helping others live a more active life following a diagnosis.
Today, Bill is recognised internationally as a leading advocate for dementia awareness, challenging stigma and ensuring that the voices of people living with dementia are represented in the decisions that affect them.
Representing Australia on the World Stage
Bill currently serves as the global representative for people living with dementia on the Board of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the peak international body representing over 105 dementia associations and organisations from around the world.
Earlier this year, Bill attended ADI’s 37th Global Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia in Lyon, France, where researchers, clinicians, advocates and people with lived experience came together to shape the future of dementia care. Reflecting on the conference, Bill highlighted the growing recognition that people living with dementia must be active participants in research, policy and service design, rather than simply recipients of care.
This month, Bill will continue this important work when he presents at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in London, one of the world’s largest and most influential dementia research conferences.
Why Bill’s Experience Matters to MADEC
At MADEC, we believe the best support services are shaped by the people who use them.
Bill’s lived experience, combined with his governance expertise, provides invaluable insight as our Board continues to guide the organisation’s strategic direction. His perspective reminds us that quality support is about far more than clinical care. It’s about dignity, inclusion, independence and ensuring every person is seen for their abilities rather than their diagnosis.
His advocacy reinforces values that are central to MADEC’s mission: empowering people, creating opportunities, listening to lived experience and supporting individuals to live meaningful, connected lives.
A Voice Creating Change
Beyond his work with MADEC, Bill continues to influence dementia policy, education and awareness across Australia and internationally through keynote presentations, advisory roles and published articles.
His message is both powerful and hopeful: while dementia changes lives, it does not diminish a person’s value, purpose or ability to contribute.
We are proud to have Bill Yeates serving on the MADEC Board of Directors. His leadership, compassion and commitment to creating a more inclusive future continue to inspire our organisation and the communities we serve.
We look forward to supporting Bill as he continues representing the voices of people living with dementia on the world stage.
