Port Macquarie residents, some who are living with dementia and others who are carers for those with dementia, listened as dementia advocate Sarah Ashton spoke about her life with the disease.

“I was diagnosed with early onset dementia associated with hydrocephalus at 56 but I am not letting it get the better of me,” Ms Ashton said.

“Initially reading became difficult, I had trouble processing information and I struggled to find the word I wanted to say and from there I realised my short term memory was going and now I say it is completely shot.

“I am lucky that my diagnosis is treatable – but that doesn’t mean it is curable and so I work hard every day doing what I can.”

Estimates suggest there are more than 400,000 Australians currently living with some form of dementia and by 2025, that number is expected to rise to more that 530,000 people, according to the Economic Cost of Dementia in Australia 2016-2056 report commissioned by The National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling NATSEM.

Ms Ashton said with more than 100 types of dementia, it is vital those who are diagnosed are given the right information.

“When someone says to me they have dementia I ask, but what kind? There are over 100 types of dementia each affecting the brain in different ways and each with different symptoms so it is vital to understand what your diagnosis actually is," she said.

“Certainly a dementia diagnosis has its challenges. For me they include a loss of friends and my job. I have sensory issues and sleep disturbance but it is also a fear of the future and what mine will look like.

“But I have hope that conversations like this allow movement towards dementia-friendly communities and spaces because if we can eradicate ignorance, then things will be easier for those with dementia.”

Not letting her diagnosis stop her, Ms Ashton keeps her life busy managing two Facebook pages for those wanting more information about dementia as well as staying active and walking more than 10kms a day, volunteering and advocating.

She is a fierce advocate for owning your diagnosis and said education is key.

“No-one is immune to dementia and for someone with dementia pretending to be normal is quite honestly exhausting.

“Dementia is the loss of everything you know and that can be a scary thing but there are things you can do and community conversations are helpful.”

Dementia Australia educator, Judy Bartholomew, also said that working in collaboration with those who have dementia is important.

“Those with dementia do not need sympathy, but rather our empathy and understanding,” Mrs Bartholomew said.

“And during Dementia Awareness Month taking the time to ask can be very appreciated.”