This FREE Conference is a ONE-STOP SHOP for information and support on dementia and aged care. Networking among people with dementia and related disorders like Parkinson’s, their family members, family carers, staff, volunteers and students ensures learning is shared in a supportive environment.
This is the highlight of Dementia Month, September, on the Sunshine Coast when members of the dementia community come together. It’s a time for seniors to gain information and especially those who wish to plan ahead. Feedback said it was the friendly, no frills conference which is comfortable for anyone to ask a question. I have never been to a university or college but I felt accepted and it was good to meet with other family carers. Staff network with other staff which is effective for referrals and they have face-to-face connections with clients.
Practical workshops on art, chair exercise, relaxation and aromatherapy will be operating so clients can attend with family carers or staff. If it is appropriate for the client to be independent, the family carer can attend the other lectures.
There are excellent workshop speakers on topics that seniors can benefit from including:
Finances e.g Services Australia, Centrelink, Sage Care Advice
Law: Special Counsel in Elder Law, Peter Porcellini MMLaw; Relationships Aust, Aged and Disability Advocacy
Respite: Range Care, Staffing Options
Technology and Aides: Robot Research, Don Wo, Griffith University, Lakeside Mobility, Leah Dillon, OT, Ramsay Health
Main lectures: would be valuable as well for staff
Dr Samantha Hudson, Geriatrician on Dementia and the Journey
Dr Colin Dicks, Radiology Cancer Specialist on Death and Dying Author of Book Death, Dying and Donuts
Dr Igor Bonacossa Pereira (Professor Massimo Hilliard’s lab) Qld Brain Institute on Shielding brain cells from damage
David Muir AM, Chair of the Clem Jones Trust on the philanthropy and partnership
Trade displays help on a number of items: to sell and move house, Safe Mate. Modified Equipment, My Aged Care advice, Family Carers Information, Relationships Aust, Aged and Disability Advocacy, Centrelink etc.
At lunch time there will be Q and A booths so individuals can have private conversations eg law and dementia.
Lucky door prizes.
Thursday, 19th September, 2024
10 am – 3 pm. Registrations and view trade displays from 9 am
(you do not need to attend all day)
At Mooloolaba TAFE, 34 Lady Musgrave Drive, Mountain Creek
No worries with car parking, and fully accessible
MUST REGISTER
so we can organise seating, morning tea and light lunch
The focus of Conference is on Occupation and Activities. There are many benefits of being engaged in meaningful recreational activities and prescribed therapy.
Dr Matovic is studying socialization and brain health and will provide a video presentation.
What do we know about the role of social connections in brain health in older adults?
Social connections are important for brain health in older adults with healthy cognition and those who have mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
This article describes some key research studies in the area.
Social participation in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Studies show that increasing social participation in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may reduce their risk of developing dementia. Individuals with MCI are 3.3 times more likely to develop dementia compared to age-matched participants over 2-5years 1. However, greater frequency and variety of social activities is related to lower risk of progression from mild to severe cognitive impairment over 3 years 2. Another study found that engaging in community meetings or cultural classes was associated with a higher likelihood of reverting from MCI to cognitively healthy status over 4 years 3. Despite the potential for social activity to reduce MCI, people with MCI typically report poor social support, social isolation, and loneliness 4. This indicates that methods to increase social engagement in this population are needed.
Social participation in older adults with dementia Similarly, social participation in people with mild-to-moderate dementia has the potential to slow cognitive decline. For example, a knitting group was shown to increase the use of cognitive processes such as memory and problem solving, and the use and maintenance of communication skills 5. However, 50% of people living with dementia report being lonely and 70% have stopped doing their usual social activities due to psychological barriers such concerns about reactions from other people, wandering, difficulties maintaining conversations, lack of confidence, and shrinking social networks 6, and logistical barriers such as stopping driving 7. Strategies to address these psychological and practical challenges in maintaining social participation are needed.
Social participation in older adults with healthy cognition Social isolation is one of the top modifiable late-life risk factors for developing dementia 8. Research in cognitively healthy older adults has shown that feeling socially connected to a variety of different social groups is important for maintaining cognitive function 9,10. Another study found that in older adults with healthy cognition, memory over 15 years is positively associated with combined frequent face-to-face and online contact compared to using a single social contact mode 11. However,research using focus groups of carers/supporters has found that social connection was reduced in carers/supporters due to lost companionship (“He used talk about politics, about anything we could talk about. I’ve lost my best friend”) and other people’s stigma restricting opportunities for social contact 12.
Carers/supporters indicated an increased need for social support to deal with changes in social roles (e.g., transition from spouse to carer role; e.g., “I don’t have anybody to talk to about it”12). Therefore, social interventions for carers/supporters are also needed to maintain or increase meaningful face-to-face and online social activities, to reduce their risk of dementia.
Given the importance of social participation for reducing the progression of, or development of, cognitive impairment and loneliness 2,13, there is a clear need for more research to understand how to increase and maintain frequent and high-quality social interactions in people with MCI/dementia and their carers/supporters. The Macquarie University social participation project, conducted by Dr Diana Matovic, aims to adapt a psychosocial intervention to increase the frequency of participation in a variety of social activities for people with MCI/early dementia and their carers/supporters.
References:
Petersen RC, Lopez O, Armstrong MJ, et al. Practice guideline update summary: Mild cognitive impairment: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. Jan 16 2018;90(3):126-135.doi:10.1212/wnl.0000000000004826
Hughes TF, Flatt JD, Fu B, Chang CC, Ganguli M. Engagement in social activities and progression from mild to severe cognitive impairment: the MYHAT study. International psychogeriatrics. Apr 2013;25(4):587-95. doi:10.1017/s1041610212002086
Shimada H, Doi T, Lee S, Makizako H. Reversible predictors of reversion from mild cognitive impairment to normal cognition: a 4-year longitudinal study. Alzheimers Res Ther. Mar 13 2019;11(1):24.doi:10.1186/s13195-019-0480-5
Samtani S, Stevens A, Brodaty H. Preserving and enhancing social health in neurocognitive disorders. Curr Opin Psychiatry. Mar 1 2021;34(2):157164. doi:10.1097/yco.0000000000000683
Gjernes T. Knitters in a day center: The significance of social participation for people with mild to moderate dementia. Qualitative Health Research. 2017/12/01 2017;27(14):2233-2243. doi:10.1177/1049732317723890
Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia 2013: The hidden voice of loneliness. 2013. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/migrate/downloads/dementia_2013_the_hidden_voice_of_loneliness.pdf
Mezuk B, Rebok GW. Social integration and social support among older adults following driving cessation. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B. 2008;63(5):S298-S303.doi:10.1093/geronb/63.5.S298
Livingston G, Huntley J, Sommerlad A, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care:2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet. 2020;396(10248):413-446. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6
Haslam C, Cruwys T, Haslam SA. “The we’s have it”: evidence for the distinctive benefits of group engagement in enhancing cognitive health in aging. Soc Sci Med. Nov 2014;120:57-66. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.08.037
Haslam C, Cruwys T, Milne M, Kan CH, Haslam SA. Group ties protect cognitive health by promoting social identification and social support. J Aging Health. Mar 2016;28(2):244-66.doi:10.1177/0898264315589578
Rafnsson SB, Maharani A, Tampubolon G. Social contact mode and 15-Year episodic memory trajectories in older adults with and without hearing loss: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. Jan 12 2022;77(1):10-17. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbab029
Carlozzi NE, Sherman CW, Angers K, Belanger MP, Austin AM, Ryan KA. Caring for an individual with mild cognitive impairment: a qualitative perspective of health-related quality of life from caregivers. Aging Ment Health. Sep 2018;22(9):1190-1198.doi:10.1080/13607863.2017.1341468
Victor CR, Rippon I, Nelis SM, et al. Prevalence and determinants of loneliness in people living with dementia: Findings from the IDEAL programme. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. Aug 2020;35(8):851-858. doi:10.1002/gps.5305
You can help us by participating in research
to help us to understand what factors make it difficult to maintain social activities once someone has been diagnosed with MCI/early dementia or has started caring for/supporting someone with MCI/early dementia. We also want to know what factors help people to maintain social activities.
Please contact Dr Diana Matovic on (02) 9850 8655 or diana.matovic@mq.edu.au if you are 60 years or older and have MCI/early dementia or you are a current or past carer for/supporter of someone with MCI/dementia and you are interested in participating in this research.
Dr Diana Matovic is a postdoctoral researcher and a member of the Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre. Dr Matovic manages the Wellbeing Check Tool designed to screen for risk factors for dementia and poor wellbeing (e.g., depression,social isolation) in older adults in primary care settings and provide evidence-based recommendations for risk reduction. Dr Matovic also works on related projects such as looking at social participation, mental health, and wellbeing in older adults with healthy cognition and older adults with mild cognitive impairment/early dementia and their older adult carers/supporters, and the mechanisms underlying positive mood in older adults.
Dementia Outlook – one day at a time Conference
at Mooloolaba TAFE, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Wellness Group – Ageless Grace Exercises with Vicki Doolan on Tuesdays, 10 am – 12 noon at Laurel Springs Village, Nambour (Sept 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th)
Family Carer Support Group on Thursdays, 10 am – 12 noon at Carers Outlook, 50 Savilles Rd, Nambour (Sept 7th)
Nambour Catch-up Cuppa on Thursday, 10.15 am at Nambour RSL (Sept 14th). Carers Gateway – Wellways will be funding the morning tea for dementia month.
Maleny Catch-up Cuppa on Wednesday, 10 am at Tranquil Park, Maleny (Sept 27th) Carers Gateway – Wellways will be funding the morning tea for dementia month.
These Dementia Month events bring together the Sunshine Coast Community with education, awareness, networking and spirituality.
The Dementia Choir – Sunshine Singers are inviting community members to join with them in an
Ecumenical Service for Dementia Month.
See events section:
A time to reflect, remember and pray for those living with dementia, their carers and staff. A time to remember those we have lost.
Conducted by Rev Jeanette. Morning tea is provided.
At St Andrew’s Anglican Church, 46 Upper Gay Tce, Caloundra
Friday, 8th September, 2023. 10 am – 12 noon
Faith, Hope and Love An Ecumenical Service for all who have been touched by dementia
DEMENTIA and RELATED DISORDERS CONFERENCE
Dementia Outlook – one day at at time
This conference will focus on dementia and occupation.
Thursday, 21st September, World Dementia Day
9 am – 3 pm
9 am Registrations and view displays
10 am Lecture starts
FOR: People diagnosed with dementia and related disorders like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Stroke, their family carers, staff, students, volunteers, or anyone interested.
ONE-STOP SHOP: Information on dementia, aged care, finances, legalities like Enduring Power of Attorney, activities like Ageless Grace exercise, art, Nia movement, Physiotherapy and end-of-life. Great for staff to network.
Lectures & Workshops:
Speakers: Kerri-Anne Von Deest, Lecturer, Occupational Therapy, Sunshine Coast Uni, will speak on dementia and occupation
Dr Sam Hutson, Geriatrician will give a presentation on the Dementia Journey
Dr Alison Argo, Clinical Geropsychologist will give an understanding on the emotional journey of the family carer.
Dr Diana Matovic will speak via video on social connections: barriers and facilitators
Displays and face-to-face interviews with experts and service providers.
All MUST REGISTER: Free for people living with the medical condition, a primary family carer and student. Register via carersoutlook@gmail.com or call Lorrae on 0418 298 183 Staff fee is $30. Morning tea and a light lunch are provided.
We thank
Mooloolaba TAFE, Estia Health and Heart in Hand for supporting the conference.
Parking on site. Accessible
Thumbs Up. It’s going to be a wonderful day….one day at a time….
Getting together means support and learning. Dr Sam Hutson (on the Right) has some words of wisdom for carers.
The Sunshine Coast Dementia Network is proud to announce its Conference programme which provides a wealth of knowledge and experience. The key note speakers are:
Dr Lavinia Codd, is the Advancement Manager, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland.
Dr Codd will give an overview of the types of Dementia highlighting the various research approaches and some of the current findings of the different labs that make up the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research at the Qld Brain Institute.
David Muir, AM (Member of the Order of Australia), Chair of Clem Jones Group will present an overview on the Clem Jones Foundation’s support for dementia research and for voluntary assisted dying legislation.
He will provide attendees an update on the Qld Government Legislation on Assisted Dying.
Vincent O’Rourke, Author of the book, “I Wish I Were a Leper” titled due to his wife’s wish to be a leper as in Jesus’s time, He may have healed her.
Vince was the carer of his first wife, Margaret who was diagnosed with young onset dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. His presentation will give reflections of his caring role and its challenges.
Staff from Carer organisations will discuss specific support in counselling, group work, financial support, advocacy and respite.
Carers Gateway – Wellways – Jacqueline Murray
Carers Queensland – Tim Greenwood
Vascular Dementia is one form that is considered preventable. Dietary Considerations in Dementia and Related Disorders is important as well when a person is diagnosed with dementia or vascular health issues such as heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Health professionals in diet and diabetes will inform attendees of how to lessen the risk of dementia and also improve health and quality of life.
Speakers from Plena Healthcare – Maddie Cornwall, Dietician and Diabetes educator – Kerry Roach, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service are experienced in these areas of advising patients on their dietary and physical needs.
For seniors, it is best to prepare and plan for Aged Care (65 and over). Peta Simpson, Manager, New Staff Home Care Support will speak from her lived experience of caring for her father who had Parkinson’s disease and professional operation of services on the process of gaining in-home care support from My Aged Care.
Tanya Dave, Gerontologist and Director IAgeWell is a well known entrepreneur and community worker who organises the IAgeWell over 50’s Lifestyle Expo, (October 13th, 2021) and its magazine. Tanya will support attendees on how to choose a nursing home / Residential Aged Care Facility which can be a most difficult decision for a carer or Enduring Power of Attorney will have to make.
Bruce Baynes, Aged Care Adviser, Sage Care Advice will discuss information you will need to know to plan finances for aged care.
Young people (under 65 Years of age) can be diagnosed with dementia and also may develop some symptoms after a stroke or brain trauma. Rebecca Russell, NDIS Team Leader, Ongoing Support & Enquiries Team, NDIS LAC PITC Program will give an overview of services. Wellways has a Young Carers program Officer, Kelly de Visser who works with carers from 8 years of age who are carers for parents and siblings. Kelly will explain how she supports these young family members who have undertaken responsibilities of caring.
At lunch time Katrina Thurgar from the OzCare Dementia Advisory Support Service will have a Q & A booth for individuals to gain guidance.
The focus on the afternoon sessions will be recreational and social activities for people with dementia and related disorders with speakers from Leah Sullivan, We Doo Care on Lifestyle and Wellbeing activities and services and Vicki Doolan, Gracefully Ageing on Brain Movement for Health. Vicki will ensure participants will become active in their seats.
Jody Barclay works for Synapse, Australian Brain Injury Organisation as an Information Consultant in Ageing. Jody will discuss brain health and changes which result in behaviour changes. Synapse is donating free hard copies and digital copies of its resource, ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) The Facts to attendees.
When planning services and to maintain a quality of life, it is important to be aware of financial considerations. These speakers will support attendees on what financial resources they can tap into.
Carers Gateway – Wellways – Jacqueline Murray
Carers Queensland – Carer Pathway – Andrea Cooper, Business Development Officerwill discuss the Pathway programme to support young carers to return to study or work.
Garden Financial Services – Gavin Williams, Financial Advisor and Director
Due to the changes in the brain like memory loss of the person with the medical condition, there can be changes in relationships. Some individuals and families need support to accept and work through these changes. There could be abuse and neglect of both parties. Conflict can arise when financial and Enduring Power of Attorney aspects are decided.
Relationships Australia (Qld) – Ben O’Rourke, Senior Relationship Support Service Coordinator will discuss these issues and about their services.
At times carers and people with dementia and related disorders need support to advocate about services they are receiving or need legal advice.
Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia – Debbie Smulders, Advocate – Sunshine Coast will discuss some possible issues and how ADA can help to advocate for your rights and betterment of services.
Wellways, Carers Outlook and TAFE Mooloolaba have given support to the Conference to enable its operation by the Dementia Network’s volunteers.
Register per the event flyer: trybooking for staff to pay $30
Register per registration form via website events for people with dementia or related disorder and their carers and family members or seniors.
Contact: Lorrae for further information
on carersoutlook@gmail.com
or 0418 298 183
Trade tables for organisations and service providers are available.
Human beings need social interaction with others to stimulate thought, discussion, problem-solving, share stories and experiences and simply to have laughter and a sense of freedom by escaping “my world”.
The Dementia “Catch-Up Cuppas” are an avenue for people with dementia and their family members to engage with others who have the similar world, the dementia world. Many express a feeling of isolation and loneliness as their world becomes smaller, as often the person with dementia may lose conversational skills and family and friends do not visit as regularly. This impacts socially on both the person with dementia and the family carer.
The Caloundra, Maleny and Nambour Catch-Up Cuppas operated by volunteers who facilitate the groups have become an outlet for socializing, There was laughter about memory loss stories and sometimes a few tears as the group is a safe space for this freedom of expression where open support and friendship is given.
A chat over a cuppa is uplifting
Maleny group member, Claire said “it was just so good to be out”. Caloundra’s Brenda was tired but found the energy to attend with her husband. Her world has opened up more as she has a wheelchair for him which makes it easier to transport him. Brenda reflected how her hubby took her around the world in their yacht so she can take him around in his wheelchair.
Whereas others have gained support with information on services that help such as Wellways via Carers Gateway for family carers, continence support, possible GP’s and more. Another carer at the Nambour group was able to support a fellow carer and their person with dementia with referrals for religious support.
Clare, a member of the Nambour group, is 60 and was very successful with a PhD but started to have visual difficulties. At 55 she was was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA). Clare shared her daily activity of making paper collages which is her way of being creative but also a way of expressing her thoughts and feelings, She cannot type or write very well due to brain atrophy. A carer who works part-time wants to buy some of Clare’s collages to use as wall artwork.
The males join together to discuss their past occupations, travel and where they have lived. Two shared a love of sailing and met for lunch with their wives. Interesting lives enfold of living in South Africa, England and New Zealand. One has worked in advertising and another as a hospital theatre orderly.
Couples can have an outing together as well. It was lovely to hear some couples reflect and share their journey.
When carers place a loved one diagnosed with dementia or another medical condition into a nursing home (residential aged care facility) some carers may feel lonely and a sense of guilt. When their loved ones die there can be an overwhelming sense of the physical loss. Socializing to support the “post-carer” is vital for them to regain connections to create a sense of meaning. Darryl and Cal were able to gain understanding from those in the group who have walked the same walk. Post-carers are welcomed in the groups.
The value of past is under-valued, as Margaret spoke of her time of managing country pubs and hotels. She wasn’t a person with a medical condition, but a person who in conversation was with each word, regaining her identity as a business woman and her dignity. She was valued.
The spirit within a person shines in a caring supportive environment. Commitment of love shines in care and sharing.
Fun can uplift spirt
Care and commitment
The stereotype (misunderstanding) of people with dementia creates stigma. Stigma can be shown in many ways including avoidance, rushed appointments, loss of identity, lack of communication and even lead to financial abuse.
The staff at the new Catch – Up Cuppa at Caloundra RSL was exceptionally supportive and Heather the manger of The Orangery Maleny is considerate of the group’s needs. RSL Nambour has been supportive in giving us a quiet area and turning off the TV above our table which makes it easier to converse. The outings without intention are breaking down barriers.
Networking is a social process of accepting that each person and organisation has a value in contributing and sharing to make the “dementia world” a better place.
Clare says it best with her collage which she made for the group.
The social gathering of people with dementia and family carers enjoyed a social catch-up at the Nambour RSL on 10th September, 2020.
Ken, a family care said, “it was lovely”. We enjoyed some laughter and shared some feelings of loss. The group members had some interesting stories form world travels from England and South Africa. Kath had been a professional singer and her hubby is now in a residential care facility.
To be with others who share the journey of dementia and caring is very special.
We looked for the purple rose set up at the tables reserved for us.
If you are interested in attending the next one. It will be on November 12th, 2020. 10.15 am. Please register
Chrissy 0412 726 777 or Lorrae 0418 298 183
Thank you RSL.
Meryl, Ian and Lorrae. Look for the purple rose to find us.Meryl and Ian. Congratulations on 52 years of marriage. Love is a commitment.Carol, Ken and Vince shared stories of South Africa.
Keynote Speaker: Dr Kayla Stefanidis Postdoctoral research fellow. Healthy Brain Ageing clinic at the Thompson Institute SCDN Conference 2020: Under the Dementia Umbrella What is good for the heart is also good for the brain: Understand the link between cardiovascular disease and dementia risk. Dr Kayla Stefanidis is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow within the new Health Brain Ageing Clinic at the Thompson Institute. She is part of a team studying how to reduce the risk of dementia using lifestyle interventions such as diet, exercise, sleep, mindfulness and social connection. Dr Stefanidis completed her PhD in September, 2019 at USC. Her research focuses on the link between cardiovascular disease and dementia, and more specifically, the relationship between the brain blood flow and cognitive function in aging and cardiovascular disease, using non-invasive brain imaging techniques.
at Mooloolaba TAFE, Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the major form of dementia but there are others including Vascular dementia, Lew Body dementia, Fronto-temporal dementia and Huntington’s disease. There are other medical conditions which may present some dementia symptoms. Some people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Down Syndrome, Stroke, Epilepsy, Brain injury, Brain cancer, Alcohol or Drug Toxicity may develop dementia.
This conference is to be inclusive for the medical conditions Under the Umbrella of Dementia. Speakers will give information on Dementia, Communication, Driving, legal issues, changes in relationships, the caring role and grief.
Organisations like Wellways, Down Syndrome will have have a display table. Tables of information on dementia and related disorders will be a showcase for participants to add to their resource library.
Participants, people with dementia and related disorders, family carers, staff and interested persons will be able to network and gain contacts and support.
We thank the many speakers and helpers to make this an avenue of growth and support.
We are very grateful to Mooloolaba TAFE for this venue which is maintained for Coronavirus restrictions. We thank Peta Simpson, New Staff Solutions and Todd Redman, MGA Insurance Brokers for financial support.
Bromilow Community Care has provided a tracking device, Peace of Mind Pendants as a raffle/door prize. It sends emergency alerts that works anywhere there is mobile coverage. Other groups like Candice Care and Estia Health have donated gifts for lucky door prizes.
As this is a Network of Volunteers, with no government funding, we gratefully accept donations.
Please contact Lorrae on 0418 298 183 for more information or see the attached flyer in the events page.
Relationships change. A husband becomes a carer when his wife is diagnosed with dementia.
Catch-up Cuppa
is an event for people with dementia and related disorders and carers to come together and have a chat. The need for understanding can be developed with others who are experiencing the similar journey in life. Many people can become isolated but not in this gathering.
The volunteer facilitators, Vince and Lorrae have been family carers. Lorrae and Chrissy have been facilitators of Support Groups in a professional capacity.
Where and when: RSL Nambour. Thursday, 10th Sept, 10 – 12 noon. See flyer in events section.
Sunshine Coast Dementia Network Activities: see calendar of events
Dementia Information Day : BE ACTIVE
26th Sept 2018
Ecumenical Service
27th Sept 2018
September is Dementia Month and around the globe, there is a dementia world that many live and work in:
People diagnosed with dementia
Family carers, relatives and friends.
Industry of health, caring, and advocacy services operate to work with people diagnosed with dementia: Drs, Specialists, in-home care, respite and nursing home staff, counsellors, allied health, financial planners, lawyers, advocates.
Researchers work hard at trying to find a cure for the many associated types or causes of dementia particularly Alzheimer’s disease.
Many researchers and educators work hard to find strategies and ways to support the person with dementia.
Family carer organisations support the family carer on this journey of caring for the loved one with dementia.
There are many positives in this dementia journey:
the meeting of people who care
the hope that one day discovery will see a cure for dementia syndromes
Dementia is a term used to describe different brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion.
Early symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, difficultly performing familiar tasks, problems with language and changes in personality. View the early symptoms.
There is currently no cure for dementia, but a range of support is available for people with dementia and their carers.
Dementia knows no social, economic, or ethnic boundaries.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other causes include vascular disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and fronto-temporal dementia.
There are currently estimated to be over 46 million people worldwide living with dementia. The number of people affected is set to rise to over 131 million by 2050.
There is one new case of dementia worldwide every three seconds.
The worldwide costs of dementia are estimated at US$818 billion. As a result, if dementia care were a country, it would be the world’s 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world’s largest by annual revenue exceeding Apple (US $742 billion) and Google (US $368 billion).
Dementia is often hidden away, not spoken about, or ignored at a time when the person living with dementia and their family carers are most in need of support within their families, friendship groups and communities.
The social stigma is the consequence of a lack of knowledge about dementia and it can have numerous long- and short-term effects, including:
Dehumanisation of the person with dementia
Strain within families and friendships
A lack of sufficient care for people with dementia and their carers
A lower rate of diagnosis of dementia
Delayed diagnosis and support
The stigmatisation of dementia is a global problem and it is clear that the less we talk about dementia, the more the stigma will grow. This World Alzheimer’s Month we encourage you to find out more and play your part in reducing the stigma and improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers in your community.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians.
Dementia is the leading cause of death among Australian females.
Dementia is the third leading cause of death among Australian males.
Three in 10 people over the age of 85 and almost one in 10 people over 65 have dementia [2]
Currently an estimated 250 people are joining the population with dementia each day. The number of new cases of dementia will increase to 318 people per day by 2025 and more than 650 people by 2056[2]
Alzheimer’s Australia’s National Dementia Helpline has recently expanded to offer a webchat function – which means people can now get in touch with a Helpline ‘Dementia Advisor’ and have a typed online conversation. For some people this may be just what they are after. The webchat service operates Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm EST. You can access the Webchat here .
