But rather than letting it rule her life, it set her on a path to educate and advocate on behalf of those with the condition.
Her efforts started with small education campaigns in Finley, where she lives, and across the Berrigan Shire Council area.
But wanting to do more, Gwenda has put herself forward for a number of state and national committees also working to improve the lives of those with dementia.
Her efforts led to her being one of four nominees for the 2025 NSW Senior Australian of the Year, which was won by TV personality Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM.
Gwenda will share her journey with Murray River residents when she features at the Moulamein ceremony as the Australia Day ambassador.
The ceremony will be held at the The Triangle, with breakfast to start from 8am.
Even though she conceded her life is changing, Gwenda says she will continue to live it to the full.
She has already exceeded medical expectations.
“My diagnosing geriatrician gave me five years with medication, three without,” she said.
“The decision was made to take no medication, but I never underestimated the ability of my neural pathways.
“Encouraging everyone to talk about dementia, not only for the person living with the diagnosis and their family, but friends, neighbours and the wider community, is an integral part of my life.”
Gwenda is a volunteer advocate, providing advice and assisting others in rural communities to navigate aged care services and dementia needs and pathways.
She is a passionate aged care advocate and home care package recipient.
Gwenda is a member of the Council of Elders, National Older Persons Reference Group (OPAN), Dementia Australia Advisory Committee and AdNET registry steering committee.
She is an investigator with University of Western Australia (KICA diagnostic tool), and chief investigator on MRFF on Deakin University and QUT research grants.
Gwenda has also been actively involved in consultations on the National Dementia Action Plan and DTA National Dementia Training Standards Framework, and many other research projects and advisory groups.
By being open about the impact of her own Fronto Temporal Dementia, Gwenda has helped not only herself, but all those she comes in contact with.
She hopes communities will start accepting and supporting those living with dementia to continue to live well in their own homes with intergenerational interactions as long as possible.
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