Racing legends Sir Jackie Stewart and Allan Moffat have committed to raising awareness and funds for dementia in their new roles as Dementia Australia Ambassadors.
Sir Jackie, a British former Formula 1 racing champion, founded 'Race Against Dementia', a global charity, to fund research into the prevention and cure of dementia.
He said his motivation to find a cure for dementia comes from caring for his wife of 57 years, Helen, diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014.
"Helen's condition has had a devastating impact on my family, as it does for millions of families living with dementia around the world," Sir Jackie said.
"I am now facing one of the biggest challenges of my life and will put all my efforts into finding a cure for this disease.
"I am very proud to be taking on this role as an Honorary International Dementia Australia Ambassador and hope to continue to raise awareness and increase research into prevention and cure for dementia."
Australian racing legend Allan Moffat is best known for his four championships in the Australian Touring Car Championship, six wins in the Sandown 500 and his four wins in the Bathurst 500/1000.
Mr Moffat, who first talked about his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease last year, said he was honoured to be a Dementia Australia Ambassador.
"By speaking up about my experience with Alzheimer's disease, I can encourage others to seek support and know that they are not alone if they have concerns about themselves or a loved one."
Former racing rivals and lifelong friends Larry Perkins and Fred Gibson play a key support role alongside Mr Moffat's son Andrew and long-time manager and friend, Phil Grant.
"With my mates there to support me I am able to continue to experience my life to the full and can still make regular public appearances and meet my fans - something that I truly value," Mr Moffat said.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said she is honoured to welcome the pair as members of the Ambassador Program.
"Our Ambassadors are truly an inspiration and their support is invaluable to elevating the call for further investment in dementia research," Ms McCabe said.
"Dementia is the chronic disease of the 21st century. There are an estimated 459,000 Australians and 50 million globally, living with dementia.
"These statistics are alarming and I wish to acknowledge Sir Jackie and Mr Moffat for their commitment to reducing these figures for future generations."
For more about Race Against Dementia visit raceagainstdementia.com
'Reach out for support'
At this unprecedented time, Dementia Australia is encouraging all people impacted by dementia to reach out for support and information when they need it.
Dementia Australia Acting CEO Anthony Boffa said as the health, social and economic consequences of coronavirus (COVID-19) play out, it is important to stay connected.
"This includes the more than 70 per cent of people with dementia living in the community who are staying in their homes, along with all Australians, to minimise the spread of the virus," Mr Boffa said.
"Remember you are not alone and support is available. Our National Dementia Helpline is continuing to operate as usual, so please get in touch as questions and concerns arise, on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for webchat, resources and information in other languages.
"We remain committed to providing services and supports during this difficult time even if, on a practical level, that may look at bit different in the coming weeks. Clients who access a service that will be postponed or changed will be contacted by our staff."
Dementia Australia's specialist Client Services team is available to talk through the multitude of questions and scenarios that might further impact people living with dementia, their families and carers at this time. Some of the things to consider are:
Being extra vigilant with monitoring general health and wellbeing
It is important for people to make sure they have supports in place, online and home-based activities planned, and regular phone or video catch ups with families and friends. If help is needed with shopping or understanding new technology with video calls or tele-health appointments in the coming weeks, seeking that help now is wise to avoid potential stress or delays when the appointment occurs.
Being mindful of the impact of changes in routine and dynamics in the home
With entire households at home, people living with dementia and their primary carers may be adapting to different noise levels, activities and stimulus. Including the person with dementia in activities might be a welcome change or the opposite - a designated quiet room or space might also be useful. The needs and capacity of the person living with dementia should be considered and wherever possible the person should be included in any discussions, activities and planning.
Being mindful of the potential for heightened levels of stress and anxiety
People living with dementia, depending on their symptoms and the progression of the disease, will have varying levels of understanding of the changing situation with COVID-19. This may be heightened if they have limited communication skills or inability to fully express themselves. Frustrations and anxiety may result. Talking through plans, planning ahead with engaging activities, displaying the information on calendars or kitchen noticeboards will provide some certainty for a person living with dementia about the plans and timings for each day.
"People living with dementia are one of the most vulnerable groups in society at this time," Mr Boffa said.
"These are unpredictable times that are disruptive and turbulent. They can create even more uncertainty for people living with dementia so we must be alert to these situations that can cause heightened risks.
"We are here to support the 459,000 Australians living with dementia and the 1.6 million people involved in their care."
For more information and suggestions on how to better support all people impacted by dementia in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) click HERE.
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