a young women helping an older man out of car

Dementia Action Week (16-22 September) 2024

a young women helping an older man out of car

Dementia is expected to more than double within the next 35 years. In Adelaide PHN region, 26,600 people are living with dementia, and projected to increase to 54,400 by 2058 (APHN Needs Assessment 2023). 

‘It is one of the largest health and social challenges facing Australia and the world’. Dementia Australia

Dementia Action Week (16-22 September) is about encouraging everyone to take the first step to learn more about dementia and how you can help shape our communities for the better. One simple step to take is to find out more about dementia and its impact - What is Dementia? 

Dementia Australia identifies five actions to create a dementia-friendly future

  • Raise your awareness and understanding – around two-thirds of people living with dementia live in the community.  Learning more about dementia can help you support them
  • Include encourage, empower – create opportunities for people living with dementia to contribute so they stay connected and engaged in their communities.
  • Communication is key – Listen to people living with dementia with respect and an open mind.  Body language can show that you are engaged and present
  • Make you environment dementia-friendly – People living with dementia often have different sensory perceptions and their immediate environment can have a large impact on their wellbeing
  • Look out for people in your community – Find ways to connect and introduce yourself to people in your community.  Simple gestures like saying ‘hello’ and showing kindness can make a big difference. 

To find out more information and access a range of resources, please visit www.dementia.org.au. To find clinical resources, referral pathways and support tools for primary health and community service providers jump on to HealthPathways Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.

17 September 2024