Alzheimer's Australia research fellow Maree Farrow and associate professor Mark Yates visited Horsham Monday for an Alzheimer's disease forum.

More than 90 people took the opportunity to learn more about the Alzheimer's disease and symptoms at the event organised by Wimmera Carer Respite and Support Services.

Dr Farrow said researchers were learning more about the condition every day.

"We know a lot about how Alzheimer's develops in the brain," she said.

"We know how to prevent it, by mentally stimulating the brain, exercise, diet and vascular health. What is good for the heart is good for the brain."

Dr Farrow said more than 340,000 Australians suffered from dementia symptoms, which could lead to Alzheimer's.

She said it was important for people, especially in a region such as the Wimmera, to be educated about Alzheimer's.

"It is an issue in every rural community because there is less opportunity to go to a specialist clinic and get diagnosed," she said.

"A lot of people might see the changes as someone getting old, but now we know it isn't."

Dr Farrow said it was important for people to recognise the signs, including short-term memory loss, and to seek treatment.

She said a cure for Alzheimer's disease was imminent.

"It will happen because there is so much work going on. But we have to get serious about funding," she said.

"It might not happen in my lifetime, but it will happen."

Wimmera Carer Respite and Support Services co-ordinator Caitlin Kerr said it was important for Wimmera residents to know the warning signs for dementia and Alzheimer's.

"We work with a wide range of people with dementia and their carers," she said.

"It's important to increase awareness in the community to prevent dementia and to bring professionals into the community to build the awareness."