There’s a difference between forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s

As part of Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimer’s Australia has, for the first time, launched a national television advertising campaign to urge people who have serious concerns about their memory to seek help sooner rather than later.
 
Called “There’s a difference”, the advertisement which began airing Sunday night on Channel 7, explains the differences between what is considered “normal” memory loss that may happen with age and, memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
 
Running over the next two weeks, the campaign urges people with memory concerns to act now and seek help either by contacting Alzheimer’s Australia on the National Dementia Helpline – 1800 100 500 or by seeing their doctor.
 
“It is one thing to get distracted and forget where you parked your car, but forgetting you had a car in the first place may be an indication that you may need to seek medical help,” said Alzheimer’s Australia New South Wales (NSW) chief executive, John Watkins.
 
Celebrities join dementia fight
 
Celebrities and community leaders are joining together in the fight against dementia. Australian identity Ita Buttrose, entertainer PJ Lane, actress Doris Younane, Channel Ten newsreader, Natarsha Belling, and politician Maxine McKew, have come together to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia as Alzheimer’s Australia NSW’s inaugural Ambassadors.
 
International media identity, Sir Michael Parkinson, has also joined the program as an Honorary Ambassador.
 
“We are excited that Sir Michael and these great Australians are so willing to use their personal experience with dementia to help the tens of thousands of people living with the disease, and their families, in NSW,” said Mr Watkins.
 
“Sir Michael’s mother had dementia and he has been a passionate advocate for better care for people in hospital and in aged care facilities, most recently, as the National Dignity Ambassador for the British Government’s Dignity in Care Campaign.”
 
Ita Buttrose, said “My father had dementia so I am all too aware of the impact it has not only on the person with dementia, but also on those close to them. It is important for people to know where to go to get help. No one has to walk the journey alone”.
 
PJ Lane, whose father, entertainer Don Lane, was lost to dementia last year, said “My dad developed dementia and I know first hand the difficulties associated with the illness and, in particular, for those caring for someone with dementia,” he said.
 
“It is important people realise life does not stop with a diagnosis of dementia and that there is help available.”
 
Actress Doris Younane, whose mother has dementia, said “it’s not until you have been touched personally by the disease that you begin to understand just how common it really is and how many families it affects.
 
“Thankfully there is support available for those trying to deal with an ever-changing illness. I cannot stress enough how beneficial it has been to talk to professionals and counselors from Alzheimer’s Australia who can guide you through the often rugged terrain of Alzheimer’s disease.”
 
Like thousands of other Australians, Channel 10 newsreader, Natarsha Belling, has had experience with people living with dementia and she said it was imperative that awareness of the disease is raised in the community.
 
“It’s critical we fund vital research for a cure, but we also need to raise awareness about this debilitating disease, ensuring a growing number of Australians with the illness, and their families, receive the best possible treatment and support.”
 
Maxine McKew said she was pleased to be able to help raise awareness of dementia and the issues those living with illness face.
 
“I have met many people over the past four years who are caring for a loved one with dementia and have heard first hand of the challenges involved,” she said.
 
The Ambassador program has been launched during Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from 16-26 September.
 
Ita Buttrose, PJ Lane, Doris Younane and Maxine McKew will all be taking part in Alzheimer’s Australia NSW’s annual Memory Walk, which is taking place on 26 September at Parramatta Park. To join them in the Memory Walk, or to sponsor them, go to http://www.memorywalk.com.au