Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia
Dementia currently affects more than 332,000 Australians but unfortunately, this number is expected to increase to 400,000 in less than ten years.
A diagnosis of dementia can be heartbreaking for families and the people living with the disease.
The symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.
Dementia does not discriminate, it can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65.
In 2012 dementia was added as the ninth National Health Priority area and the Government has committed substantial funding to go toward research to help those affected by this illness.
An initiative of Alzheimer's Australia,
Dementia Awareness Month is packed with awareness-raising
events and activities across Australia. The focus is on creating dementia-friendly communities and initiatives to improve inclusiveness for people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends.
To find an event near you visit their
website
Resources
To help Australia become a more dementia-friendly nation, there are some useful tools available to reduce the stigma that people with dementia face in their communities.
Dementia Friendly Toolkits for businesses and communities includes a checklist for front-line staff, as well as a dementia-friendly language guide.
More information
Alzheimer's Australia provides practical information and support to family members and carers of people living with dementia. To access FAQs and help sheets, or to learn more about dementia, risk factors, and treatments, visit
Alzheimer's Australia.
Source: http://www.myagedcare.gov.au/news/did-you-know-dementia-third-leading-cause-death-australia-and-there-no-cure
