Speak up on younger onset dementia
Garry Lovell isn’t afraid of talking about dementia – he’s just afraid of going into aged care. The 49-year-old was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago. Supported by his wife Mandy, Mr Lovell today shares his story of what it’s like living with early onset dementia.
Garry Lovell isn’t afraid of talking about dementia – he’s just afraid of going into aged care.
The 49-year-old was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago. Supported by his wife Mandy, Mr Lovell today shares his story of what it’s like living with early onset dementia.
More than 20 Victorian Members of Parliament at the inaugural meeting of Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria Parliamentary Friends of Dementia will listen to Mr Lovell as he speaks about his life-changing dementia diagnosis.
“It meant changes for my wife, changes for my family and my friends, and changes to our future,” he says.
The meeting today will focus on younger onset dementia which affects about 2,500 Victorians under the age of 65 years – that is people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Nick Wakeling MP, who will co-convene the meeting with his parliamentary colleague, Wade Noonan MP, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health, says: “Today’s launch is well supported by all political parties in State Parliament. It is a great opportunity for Victorian MPs to hear first-hand about the reality of what it is like to live with dementia and its impact on the broader Victorian community.”
Mr Noonan says he understands the difficulties associated with a dementia diagnosis, describing how his own family has also been touched by Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria chief executive, Maree McCabe, claims in the next 20 to 30 years, every Victorian will be impacted by dementia.
“By 2050, it is projected that almost 246,000 people will be living with dementia. This will include people with younger onset dementia.
“With carers, families and friends included; it is vital the concerns of people living with dementia are heard at every level of our community,” she says.
Consumers will have the opportunity to receive the latest information and research updates through the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia group.
To find out more about younger onset dementia, visit http://www.fightdementia.org.au/ and sign up as a Dementia Champion to fight dementia.
