Dementia Awareness Week 16 – 26 September

Dementia Awareness Week starts this Thursday with a range of events and activities.

“It’s important that people who do have genuine concerns about their memory get help sooner rather than later,” says John Watkins, chief executive officer of Alzheimer’s Australia New South Wales.
 
“The symptoms may not be caused by dementia, but, if they are, timely diagnosis – that is getting a diagnosis as early as possible – is important in helping to get the right information, treatment and support.
 
“It also gives people with a diagnosis of dementia an opportunity to plan ahead and make decisions about their future care and finances,” he said.
 
“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.”

Information about the various activities and events being held during the Dementia Awareness Week around Australia can be found at the following sites:

Dementia Awareness Week activities and information. http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=6831

World Alzheimer’s Day – uniting people living with dementia worldwide http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=6833

National Dementia Research Forum 23 – 24 September 2010, Gold Coast, Queensland. Hosted by the Dementia Collaborative Research Centres http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=6834

Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria Dementia Awareness Week 2010 – Calendar of Events 

What are the early warning signs of dementia and the benefits of early diagnosis are among the topics to be discussed by an internationally recognised authority on ageing at an upcoming Melbourne seminar.

Henry Brodaty, director of the government-funded Primary Dementia Collaborative Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, is among the speakers at the free public lecture on Friday, being organised by Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria to mark Dementia Awareness Week.

Speaking alongside Mr Brodaty will be Professor Michael Woodward, head of aged care at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital; Jack Sach, acting chief executive officer of Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria and Dr Maree Farrow, research fellow.

The free public lecture takes place on 17 September at 11am at the BMW Edge, Federation Square.

To register go to http://ow.ly/2mLZH or call 1800 100 500. For information on other events taking place visit www.alzheimers.org.au