Dementia Australia

Dementia Advocate and Peer Leader Dom O’Leary was recently featured in an episode of ABC Life Matters, “Who cares for the carers?”     Dom talks about her experience caring for her late father who lived with dementia and her involvement with Dementia Australia’s Connecting Peers program.     Listen to Dom’s segment at https://lnkd.in/gDtZ7nWe     To find out more about peer support available through Connecting Peers, visit https://lnkd.in/guTTsgfZ  

In the lead up to the federal election on 3 May, we are encouraging people living with dementia, their families and carers to discuss voting to ensure they have the support they need to participate.    While every person living with dementia has the right to vote, capacity to vote is specific to each individual.    By starting the conversation, people living with dementia together with their doctor, families and carers can decide whether they want to vote so their status on the electoral roll can be amended if needed. A plan can be made if someone needs support to vote, for example, being reminded to attend their local polling place on the right date or helping them arrange a postal vote or to attend an early voting centre.    The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) provides a range of resources to help people living with dementia navigate the voting process.    Any changes to electoral details must be made before the electoral roll closes at 8pm (AEST) on Monday 7 April.    Read our media release to find out more: https://lnkd.in/gZbmteGN

Younger people living with dementia are often misunderstood in the community and often take longer to get a diagnosis of dementia. This is because many people do not expect a younger person to have dementia and commonly mistake the symptoms of dementia for other health conditions.      Dementia Australia is here to support anyone living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers.      The best place to start is by contacting the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or by visiting https://lnkd.in/dQCPiuJt for live chat  

With the Federal Election called for 3 May, Dementia Australia is calling on all parties, independents and candidates to commit to immediate action.    Dementia Australia is calling for federal government commitments to:    - Launch a national conversation on dementia to raise awareness of the condition and to promote brain health at all ages;  - Establish a team of dementia specialist care coordinators within Dementia Australia to deliver nationally consistent support and navigation to people living with dementia, their families and carers; and  - Build the capability of the workforce to provide care and support for people living with dementia.    “Without a significant intervention the number of Australians who will be living with dementia is set to double in the next 30 years. We simply cannot afford to wait, the 48th Parliament must be the one to commit to action,” Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said.    Dementia Australia Advisory Committee Chair Ann Pietsch, who lives with Lewy body dementia, reiterated the importance of all political parties and candidates keeping a focus on dementia.    “Raising awareness and educating people about dementia is of paramount importance for all Australians – there is still much to be done,” Ms Pietsch said.    Read more at https://lnkd.in/gcfGB7uk

“You’d have a heart of stone not to be moved and motivated by those wonderful scenes.”    That’s how Antoine, one of our incredible volunteers, describes the experience of being part of a Memory Walk & Jog event.     Antoine has already volunteered at two events this year – with two more to go! For him, the most rewarding part is meeting new people and being inspired by participant determination.     “Meeting lovely new people, making new friends and being uplifted by the atmosphere and the determination of all the participants, many who struggled through the course,” Antoine said.     “I love the elation, the embraces and the tears of joy at the finish line.”    Ready to contribute a few hours of your time to be a part of this incredible experience and help make a difference? Sign up to volunteer at a Memory Walk & Jog near you:     https://lnkd.in/eHKvcVwY  

With the Federal Election scheduled for May 3, we are encouraging people living with dementia, their families and carers to talk about the logistics of voting.    In the lead-up to the election, we are running online information sessions to support Australians impacted by dementia to learn more about the process of voting when living with dementia.     Sessions are being on Thursday 3 April from 12-1pm (AEDT) and Wednesday 23 April from 6:30-7:30pm (AET).    To register or for more information visit: https://lnkd.in/gZYkpW35 

“We all have fun nick names, we get called ‘Jumping Jack’ and ‘Slip up Chris’.”    Dementia Australia Dementia Advocates Jack and Chris are long-time members of Hash House Harriers – a social running club that brings people together to run, walk, or ride whilst having fun and building a strong sense of community.     Jack lives with Alzheimer’s disease and finds great joy in connection and involvement in Hash House Harriers. And as an added bonus, Jack has just completed 600 runs with the group!  “It’s a great way to meet new people, get active and show up for each other,” Chris said.     Today is Neighbour Day and to celebrate we are highlighting the importance for people living with dementia, their families and carers staying connected with neighbours and communities.     Head to https://lnkd.in/gmkrGh4k to find out how you can join us in creating a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities.  

What support and services does Dementia Australia offer people living with younger onset dementia?     Dementia Australia offers free support and programs including post diagnostic support, family support, counselling, family engagement counselling, peer support and education programs.     The National Dementia Helpline is also always open to everyone impacted by dementia, including those living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers.    For any enquires about younger onset dementia support and services contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit   https://lnkd.in/dQCPiuJt for live chat and email.

“It’s why I think it was hard for me to know if it was depression or something else. “But I started noticing some memory loss, so that is when I began to think it could be dementia. “She was assessed. It took a long time for that to happen, but she was eventually diagnosed with dementia.” Elena’s Mum Francesca lived with dementia. Although she had a history of depression, doctors were able to assess Francesca and determine she was living with dementia. The early signs of dementia are very subtle and may not be immediately obvious. Early symptoms also vary across individuals. Do you have concerns about your memory or that of someone you love? We are here to help. Call the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit https://lnkd.in/fmZgQEj

What is younger onset dementia?     Younger onset dementia describes any form of dementia diagnosed in someone under the age of 65.      In 2025 there are an estimated 29,000 people living with younger onset dementia in Australia. This is expected to increase to an estimated 41,000 people by 2054.    Dementia Australia is here for people living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers.     The best place to start is by contacting the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit   https://lnkd.in/dQCPiuJt for live chat and email.