Worldwide there are more than 46.8 million people living with dementia and that number is expected to rise to over 131.4 million predicted by 2050 according Alzheimer’s Disease International.
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Locally, Port Macquarie has the second highest rate of dementia in NSW with more than 1500 people diagnosed each year.
Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning.
Professor Susan Kurrle said someone who simply starts forgetting things does not necessarily have dementia.
“Memory loss in not dementia. Dementia is a change in function and is not a normal part of the ageing process – though it is more common in older people,” professor Kurrle said.
“Also you will not necessarily know you have dementia or know if someone else has dementia, because someone with dementia is still the person you used to know.”
Dementia is categorised as a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.
“There are over 100 types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body disease which all have different symptoms so it is not a simple diagnosis,” she said.
Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65. It is also the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death in women in the country.
Currently an estimated 250 people are joining the population with dementia each day.
Dementia Australia educator, Judy Bartholomew, said that working in collaboration with those who have dementia and their carers 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.
“It can be simple little things that can make all the difference including becoming dementia friendly in your thinking.
“This can be as simple as making fonts bigger or asking someone if they need help if they look confused.”
Ms Bartholomew also said using positive words and not dismissing people can also be helpful.
“The key messages in a dementia friendly community would be acceptance, understanding, inclusion, removing the stigma and increasing the awareness about the struggles of those with dementia,” she said.
“And it is wonderful to see lots of people in Port Macquarie and the wider Hastings region start to take those steps during Dementia Awareness Month.”
For more information head to the Dementia Friendly website.
