Creating a dementia friendly nation

The theme of this years’ Dementia Awareness Month is Creating a Dementia-Friendly Nation. It aims to encourage Australians to become dementia-aware, have a better understanding of what it is like for a person to live with dementia, and ultimately be encouraged to create communities where people with dementia are supported to live a high quality of life with meaning, purpose and value.

Maree McCabe, chief executive officer (CEO) of Alzheimer’s Australia Vic, says, “We want Australians to realise that everyone can play a part in making their own communities more dementia-friendly. Action starts with each and every one of us.

“One way you can do that is by becoming more dementia-aware. Find out more about dementia, increase your understanding of the condition and its impacts and help us spread the word. Make dementia a priority in your community and help us make Australia a dementia-friendly nation.

“A general lack of understanding and fear of dementia in the community is reported as being the main reason people with dementia disengage with their community. People are unaware of the symptoms and unsure how to respond to the changes in a person that they have always known and we would like to see people use Dementia Awareness Month as an opportunity to become more informed,” says McCabe.

Dementia Awareness Month is held from 1 – 30 September nationwide and World Alzheimer’s Day is on Monday 21 September. Events as part of Dementia Awareness Month include a public lecture by Gill Ayling, Head of Global Action Against Dementia UK, several forums and Memory Walks.

Find out more about events around Australia on the Alzheimer’s Australia website.