Dementia impacts almost half a million Australians and close to 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care. The number of people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years.
With so many people impacted now and into the future, it is important to clear up some of the misconceptions about dementia.
People living with dementia can live active and fulfilling lives many years after diagnosis.
Despite this, they often experience discrimination.
Dementia Action Week is 19 to 25 September and this year’s theme ‘A little support makes a big difference’ demonstrates how many people living with dementia can continue to live well for many years after their diagnosis.
The campaign provides information and tips to encourage all Australians to increase their understanding of dementia and learn how they can make a difference to the lives of people around them who are impacted – and to help eliminate discrimination.
These include simple and practical tips to:
- Give a little support to a person living with dementia
- Give a little support to a carer, friend or family member of a person living with dementia
- Support someone with dementia to start advance care planning