Make a difference with Alzheimer’s

With the Kiama and South Coast electorates estimated to have 2900 people living with dementia, and that number expected to soar to about 6400 by 2050, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW says it’s essential that we take the lead on creating dementia-friendly communities.

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW chief executive officer John Watkins said we are all responsible for creating dementia-friendly communities.

“We all have a role to play in helping people with dementia sustain their independence, dignity and sense of purpose in our communities,” Mr Watkins said.

“It starts with you. By making small changes, we can make a big difference.

“One way you can do that is by becoming more dementia-aware. Find out more about dementia, increase your understanding of the condition and its impacts and help us spread the word.”

Visit www.dementiafriendly.org.au and find out how you can make a difference.

This year’s Dementia Awareness Month theme is Creating a Dementia-Friendly Nation. World Alzheimer’s Day is on Monday, September 21.

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW will host a number of events as part of Dementia Awareness Month.

The free Illawarra Public Forum: Dementia and Diversity will be held on Thursday, September 24 at the Master Builders Club, 61 Church Street, Wollongong from 10am-2pm.

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and the Illawarra Public Forum Planning Group have worked collaboratively to host the forum for carers, people living with dementia, and community members with an interest in the latest research in the field of dementia, hearing the experiences of people from culturally diverse backgrounds and Indigenous Australians living with, or supporting someone that is living with dementia and carer stories from a range of perspectives.

Registration is essential. Lunch will be provided. To attend, contact Leanne Norman on 8875 4682 or email NSW.education@alzheimers.org.au.