Cumberland City Council's Seniors and Disability Services has teamed up with Western Sydney Dementia Alliance to raise awareness of dementia through a series of information sessions.
The "Let's Talk About Dementia" information sessions are held monthly and explore a range of topics and strategies on how to reduce the risk of dementia, plus ways to create a dementia-friendly community.
Trish Monahan from Western Sydney Dementia Alliance, who has a mother living with the disease said there needs to be more understanding and awareness around the disease.
"I want to make Western Sydney more dementia friendly. A lot of people think dementia comes with age and everyone is going to get it but it can affect young people as well," she said.
"The symptoms that people display aren't always what you think is dementia."
The program which started as a trial in July has now been extended with sessions held monthly until November.
Cumberland City Mayor Lisa Lake said Council is committed to providing programs to the community that can help people with this condition feel less isolated and alone.
"It's really important that Council provides these programs to support our community. By providing these information sessions to our community members, we are breaking down barriers and engaging with people to start a conversation around dementia," she said.
"These programs have a positive impact on our community and can help improve access, services, facilities and make Cumberland more inclusive for all."
In Australia, dementia is one of the top five leading causes of death, and an estimated 487,500 Australians live with the disease. It's also a major cause of disability and dependency among older people globally.
Cumberland City Council's "Let's Talk about Dementia" information sessions will be held on Tuesday 25 October at The Granville Centre and Tuesday 22 November at Toongabbie Community Centre.
