Dementia Australia is proud to announce it has partnered with ConneCTErs Australia to expand the support available for people living with suspected or probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and their carers.
As part of the federal government's $12.4 million CTE Support and Prevention Program, Dementia Australia and ConneCTErs Australia will run a pilot program of support group sessions for people affected by CTE in 11 sites across Australia, including all major cities and select regional locations, as well as online.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said Dementia Australia is excited to be working with ConneCTErs Australia to deliver a program that will allow more Australians impacted by suspected or probable CTE to access support.
"We are delighted to be working with ConneCTErs Australia, which is one of the leading organisations supporting people with suspected or probable CTE in Australia," Professor Buchanan said.
"This partnership will significantly increase the capacity to provide support, as well as reach parts of the country that haven't previously had access to these kinds of services."
ConneCTErs Australia Director Sarah Willey said they are thrilled to be involved in bringing more CTE support to Australians.
"For people living with suspected or probable CTE, it can be an isolating, overwhelming and complex situation," Ms Willey said.
"Access to professional support provides significant benefits, including accurate and accessible information and education, meaningful connection, a sense of inclusion, and support to help people maintain their health and overall wellbeing."
Rugby league titan, and ambassador for both Dementia Australia and ConneCTErs Australia, Wally Lewis AM said the partnership was an important investment in ensuring support is available. "Just like I received incredible support from my teammates every time I ran out on to the field, I now have an amazing team of medical professionals, friends and family who support me," Mr Lewis said.
"I'm delighted that this partnership will enable more Australians to receive the support they need."
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain disease that may lead to a dementia-like syndrome. CTE is associated with repeated head injuries, including concussions and sub-concussive impacts, most commonly from contact sports and other situations involving repeated head trauma, including military service and domestic violence.
While CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death by examining brain tissue, CTE may be suspected when symptoms such as memory and thinking difficulties, mood and emotional changes, sleep disturbances and confusion and disorientation occur, following a history of repeated head trauma.
