The Mid-North Coast Dying with Dignity NSW meeting on May 30 heard dementia could strike anyone.

Carer Susan Murphy and her partner Graeme Atkins told their story through a talk and music.

Mr Atkins has written and performed many songs about dementia since his diagnosis at the age of 54.

Ms Murphy, who is her partner’s carer, said there was little community understanding of dementia.

“We tell our dementia story in the hope we can educate and get people to understand the impact of a dementia diagnosis,” Ms Murphy said.

“Otherwise people with dementia and their carers will remain living in what I call the dementia world.”

The couple wants people to understand some of the daily challenges faced by people with dementia and their carers.

There are many different forms of dementia.

Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. 

Ms Murphy was caring for her mother, who had dementia, when Mr Atkins was diagnosed with the illness.

Ms Murphy’s mother passed away a couple of years ago.

In 2011, Ms Murphy was named the NSW Caring Partner of the Year and she was made an ambassador to continue raising awareness of the important roles that unpaid carers play in our communities.

“We can only hope that more and more people like Graeme are prepared to be brave, and stand up, and tell people they have dementia,” Ms Murphy said.

She supports the push for assisted dying laws but believes people with dementia should be exempt.

Dying with Dignity NSW is an advocacy organisation pursuing a change in the law that will enhance choice at the end of life.

Mid-North Coast Dying with Dignity NSW convener Annie Quadroy said it would be timely for medical associations and governments to legally recognise dementia as a terminal illness.

Meanwhile, the Mid-North Coast group encourages people to support a petition, started by a woman with motor neurone disease, to allow her to die peacefully.

A voluntary assisted dying bill is expected to come before NSW Parliament in 2017.

Click here to support the petition.