The World Alzheimer's Report 2025, released yesterday during Dementia Action Week, highlights the importance of rehabilitation for people living with dementia.
The Report, titled 'Reimagining life with dementia – the power of rehabilitation' was released by Alzheimer's Disease International in the lead-up to World Alzheimer's Day on Sunday 21 September.
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocates John Quinn and Glenys Petrie, who contributed an article to the Report, said they had developed rehabilitation strategies to help John remain independent as long as possible.
"These strategies focused on me as a person – connecting with others, participating in things that I found meaningful, having autonomy, and maintaining wellness through a healthy diet. I did not want to be just another statistic. We were hopeful that these approaches would slow down the progression of my condition. We had nothing to lose," John wrote in the article, "Dementia rehabilitation requires 'thinking outside the box'".
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said Report clearly demonstrates how people diagnosed with dementia are missing out on important post diagnostic services they need to live well.
"This is just one of the reasons Dementia Australia is pushing for the federal government to provide funding for dementia navigators to help people access the services they need to live well. When it comes to dementia, nobody can do it alone," Professor Buchanan said.
"The second thing this report demonstrates is the profound lack of understanding of dementia and the important role rehabilitation play in improving the lives of people living with dementia their families and carers. It is another example of why we need to improve Australians understanding of dementia and brain health."
Visit dementia.org.au/dementiaactionweek to access a range of resources and information to support Australians to reconnect with someone impacted by dementia.
