EVERY three seconds one person somewhere in the world is diagnosed with dementia - a group of conditions which affects a staggering 46 million people.
In Australia it affects 350,000 people and is the greatest cause of disability in those over 65 years of age and over, however it can strike at any age.
September is Dementia Awareness Month which aims to increase awareness about dementia and the most common form, Alzheimer’s.
“This is a condition that affects an individual’s cognitive function, with no known form of prevention or a cure," said Assistant Minister for Health & Aged Care, Ken Wyatt.
“Dementia has life altering consequences, not only for the person living with it, but it also has a heavy toll on their family and friends.
“In Australia, we have about 200,000 informal family carers involved in the care of a person living with dementia and this number is only going to increase.
“It’s important if you notice a loved one acting out of the ordinary, showing symptoms of confusion, memory loss, and personality changes that you know help is available.”
Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s thinking, behaviour, memory, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. The early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and more broadly dementia are very subtle and can sometimes go unnoticed for months or even years.
Dementia can be diagnosed by a general practitioner through a series of assessments, as there is no single test that is able to diagnose the condition.
The Australian Government recently provided $3.9 million to Alzheimer’s Australia to provide a Dementia Friendly Communities Program designed to deliver community awareness programs to give people an increased understanding of dementia and the support services that are available.
