While it effects mood, memory, thinking and behaviour, dementia it is not a normal part of ageing.
During Dementia Action Week last week, the community was challenged to reach out and reconnect to someone impacted by dementia, because nobody can do it alone.
Yarrawonga Health operational director aged care, Sally Arthur said behind every dementia diagnosis was a person, a family, and a story.
“For many local families, dementia is part of life’s journey, and at Yarrawonga Health we are here to provide care and support close to home,” Ms Arthur said.
“It is our role to support them with compassion and dignity.”
According to Dementia Prevalence Data from Dementia Australia in 2025, 4049 people in Moira Shire have dementia while the predicted number for 2054 will almost double to 8057.
In Federation Shire, 379 people are estimated to have dementia with that figure projected to reach 657 people by 2054.
Dementia has been the leading cause of death for women for some time but Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s recent Dementia in Australia report revealed it is now the leading cause of death for all Australians.
The update found that, without a significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia will exceed one million by 2065.
More than 433,000 Australians are living with dementia and 1.7 million people are involved in their care.
Dementia discrimination and stigma are extremely common: 90 per cent of friends, family and caregivers say that a loved one with dementia has been treated with less respect than other people.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the report, revealed the enormous impact dementia has on Australian families.
“People affected by dementia often tell us that friends and family drift away after a diagnosis, because they are unsure of how to interact,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Nobody can do it alone; we are challenging Australians to reconnect with someone impacted by dementia to help combat the high levels of social isolation.”
While there’s currently no known cure for dementia, there are treatments for many of the symptoms.
People with dementia can have active and fulfilling lives for many years after they’re diagnosed, which is why it is important to stay connected to those close to you who may have recently been diagnosed.
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