‘Forgetfulness’ versus dementia
Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria yesterday launched an awareness campaign to help people understand the difference between ‘forgetfulness’ and being diagnosed with dementia. The campaign gives examples of the difference between forgetting where you put the car keys versus forgetting what the keys are for.
Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria yesterday launched an awareness campaign to help people understand the difference between ‘forgetfulness’ and being diagnosed with dementia.
The campaign gives examples of the difference between forgetting where you put the car keys versus forgetting what the keys are for, or forgetting your daughter’s birthday and forgetting you ever had a daughter.
“These messages aim to clarify for the community that not all memory loss is associated with dementia, but also highlights the difference in what a person with dementia may experience,” Maree McCabe, Alzheimer’s Australia Vic chief executive, says.
Dementia is reportedly the third largest cause of death in Australia.
It is important people are more aware of Alzheimer’s Australia and the services offered, she says.
“Helping people understand the difference between some forms of memory loss and dementia while emphasising the importance of early diagnosis is critical.”
According to research conducted by Deloitte Access Economics, the regions to be hardest hit by the impact of dementia will be the western suburbs of Melbourne and Gippsland due to growth corridors and an increasing population of older people in these areas.
The supporting television campaign can be viewed on the Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria’s YouTube channel and the print advertisements, postcard and poster artwork can be viewed on its Facebook page.
For more information, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
