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Related: Dementia tsunami coming
A lack of awareness and understanding about dementia in the face of alarming prevalence is concerning, says Alzheimer’s Australia.
People need to be seeking information and help earlier in order to reduce the demand on the healthcare system and increase support for those diagnosed.
With more than 97,000 people living with dementia in Victoria, an alarming 70 per cent of Australians admit they know very little about the disease.
Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria CEO Maree McCabe said dementia would affect everyone.
“And yet people aren’t aware and don’t understand one the world’s most prevalent health conditions,” she said.
“This fuels a powerful stigma that influences people to not talk to their families or doctors and perpetuates the myth that dementia is a normal part of ageing.
“This leads to social isolation for people living with dementia and their carers.”
South-west behaviour consultant Robyn Bamberg said the early detection of dementia could make a significant difference to patients and their families.
She said identifying dementia signs was an important step in breaking down misconceptions about dementia.
“If people recognise problems with someone else they should encourage them to see someone,” she said.
“It may be as simple as something that can be remedied and reversed.
“If there is a diagnosis, it gives them time to prepare, delay symptoms and get the help and support they need.
“They would rather know.”
South West Healthcare Memory Clinic coordinator Maggie How-Ely said there were many different types and stages of dementia.
“It’s a progressive decline so those diagnosed with the disease don’t have to be excluded,” she said.
“Just because there’s a diagnosis doesn’t mean they aren’t capable and able to be involved. They still have their opinions and feelings and can still make decisions.”
Kate Swaffer knows this better than most.
At 49-years-old the mother-of-two, university student and wife from Adelaide was working full-time when she was diagnosed with younger onset dementia.
She was advised to give-up her studies, get her affairs in order and get acquainted with the aged care system.
“There is a notion that we are end stage at diagnosis,” Ms Swaffer said.
“But we can learn to live with and beyond dementia, not only die from it.”
Ms Swaffer now works to empower and support people with dementia to fight for their lives as anyone diagnosed with a terminal illness is encouraged to do.
She will be returning to Warrnambool in August to speak at a conference and encourage medical practitioners and aged care workers to change the stigma surrounding dementia.
Ms Swaffer hopes for a day when dementia will no longer be stigmatised or discriminated against.