Act sooner rather than later
Dementia Awareness Week ended last week, but the message to act on signs of memory loss is still loud and clear. Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria chief executive, Maree McCabe, last week urged people to take action “sooner rather than later” should they experience any common indicators of memory loss.
Dementia Awareness Week ended last week, but the message to act on signs of memory loss is still loud and clear.
Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria chief executive, Maree McCabe, last week urged people to take action “sooner rather than later” should they experience any common indicators of memory loss.
According to Ms McCabe, people who are worried about their memory “should not delay in seeking help”.
She urged people worried about their memory, or that of a loved one, to seek medical help or call the National Dementia Helpline.
Although she said the symptoms of memory loss may not be caused by dementia, it was possible for a “timely diagnosis” to be made if early action was action.
“Getting a diagnosis as early as possible is important in helping to get the right information, treatment and support,” Ms McCabe said. “It also gives people with a diagnosis of dementia an opportunity to plan ahead and make decisions about their future care and finances,” she added.
She referred to findings reported in an Alzheimer’s Australia paper titled Timely diagnosis of dementia: Can we do better?, which found that there could be an average of three years before a diagnosis was made from the first consultation with a physician.
Some reasons for the delays in diagnosis, according to Ms McCabe included: the false belief that dementia is a normal part of ageing; denial on the part of the individual and family, the complexity of diagnosing dementia as well as doctors’ reluctance to “damage the doctor-patient relationship”.
“Life does not stop with a diagnosis of dementia. People with a diagnosis of dementia can continue to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life and there is help and support available,” Ms McCabe said.
If you are worried about your memory, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
