New dementia resource to guide newly diagnosed

The Dementia Guide gives the reader a better understanding of the condition and offers information on how to continue to live well following a diagnosis, including what treatments and services are available as well as information on making plans for the future.

“When my husband Bill was diagnosed with dementia, having a friend, like this Guide, that I could carry in my handbag or have as a conversation starter with family and friends would have been helpful,” says family carer Delia Bradshaw.

She says hearing a doctor diagnose a loved one with dementia is overwhelming and you only take away a small part of the information provided.

“A resource like The Dementia Guide will help you understand what you are going through in your own time, as well as making you aware you can reach out for support through the many available services, Ms Bradshaw says.

Based on a similar resource produced by Alzheimer’s Society in the UK, Alzheimer’s Australia Vic will be distributing 20,000 copies of The Dementia Guide throughout Victoria to key health professionals to offer to their patients when discussing a dementia diagnosis.

“The Dementia Guide is a resource you can keep for the whole journey. It will empower people with the information to talk about dementia, assist in decision-making as the disease progresses, contributing to better health outcomes and quality of life for the person living with dementia, their families and carers,” Ms Bradshaw adds.

Professor Michael Woodward, Chief Medical Advisor says The Dementia Guide is an important and useful tool in assisting those who may be coming to terms with a diagnosis and highly recommends the resource to other health professionals.

“As a doctor talking to patients every day about dementia, it is comforting to know that I can provide them with The Dementia Guide that will offer support beyond the consulting room,” Professor Woodward says.

The Dementia Guide is available as a hard copy from Alzheimer’s Australia Vic by calling (03) 9815 7800 or email alz@alzheimers.org.au, or as an online resource and available for download from the Alzheimer’s Australia Vic website.