Dementia in Australia
Dementia affects almost 500,000 Australians. Another 1.6 million Australians are involved in the care of a person with dementia.
In Boroondara, there are more than 3,500 people living with dementia. This number is expected to rise to almost 9,000 by 2050.
People living with dementia can live active and fulfilling lives many years after they are diagnosed. Despite this, they often experience discrimination. In a recent Dementia Australia survey, more than 70% of people believed discrimination towards people with dementia is common or very common.
With so many people impacted now and into the future, it's vital that people gain a better understanding of dementia.
The 2021 campaign
During Dementia Action Week 2021, Dementia Australia will deliver a national awareness-raising campaign to get people talking about discrimination and dementia.
This year's campaign theme is 'A little support makes a big difference'. It aims to:
- challenge people's ideas of dementia
- encourage people to gain a better understanding of dementia
- get people thinking about ways they can make a difference to the lives of people around them who are affected by dementia
- help eliminate discrimination against people with dementia.
The campaign will provide simple and practical tips for how to:
- give support to a person with dementia
- give support to a carer, friend or family member of a person with dementia
- help healthcare professionals make their practice more dementia-friendly.
