Dementia Action Week
20 – 26 September 2021
Dementia affects close to half a million Australians. That number is set double in the next 25 years.
Many Australians will start experiencing the impact of dementia amongst their own family and friends in the coming years.
With so many people impacted now and into the future, it is vital we clear up some of the prevailing misconceptions about dementia. People living with dementia can continue to live active and rich lives many years after diagnosis.
It is our role as a community to do the best we can to support people living with dementia to live well for as long as possible.
The concept for Dementia Action Week 2020 was developed in consultation with Dementia Advocates, who have a lived experience of dementia.
Dementia Australia’s ‘A little support makes a lot of difference’ campaign, launched during Dementia Action Week 2020, was the result of engagement with Advocates which indicated a prevailing attitude that people living with dementia are old, frail and living in care.
These misconceptions lead to judgements by the community about the capacity of a person living with dementia and condescending behaviours. Such beliefs can lead to significant discrimination against people living with dementia.
The ‘A little support makes a lot of difference’ campaign demonstrates that many people living with dementia can continue to live well for many years after their diagnosis. Many continue to make significant contributions to our community, they engage, make their own choices and live rich and active lives.
Community organisations, partners and supporters, we encourage you to register your interest to receive further information about Dementia Action Week 2021.
Visit the ‘A little support makes a lot of difference’ campaign website for practical tips and tools to support people impacted by dementia.