Dementia in Aboriginal communities
Discrimination and a lack of opportunity are reportedly contributing to a higher dementia rate in Aboriginal communities. Now a project launched in Coffs Harbour will hopefully raise awareness about dementia in all New South Wales Aboriginal communities. The Koori Dementia Care Project will also be rolled out in La Perouse and other Indigenous communities.
Discrimination and a lack of opportunity are reportedly contributing to a higher dementia rate in Aboriginal communities.
Now a project launched in Coffs Harbour will hopefully raise awareness about dementia in all New South Wales Aboriginal communities.
Based on studies of Aboriginal communities throughout Sydney and the mid north coast, the Koori Dementia Care Project will also be rolled out in La Perouse, Campbelltown and Western Sydney, Kempsey and Nambucca.
Neuroscience Research Australia researcher Professor Tony Broe, who recently launched the project, says their research shows lifelong health problems and a lack of awareness, resulting in Indigenous people being five times more likely to develop dementia.
“The big things that need to be done I think are education, training, jobs and then health care,” Professor Broe tells the ABC.
“The important blocks are still existing subtle discrimination and lack of opportunity for jobs and education, so that’s where we’re aiming,” he adds.
According to Professor Broe, the program will hopefully continue to raise awareness about dementia.
“Aboriginal people do not have the same knowledge about dementia as the rest of the community because it hasn’t been something that’s seen as high priority.”
He claims the first step is to “build capacity” in the community and Aboriginal service providers.
“That should translate into better Aboriginal controlled services and better access to mainstream services.”
