“I’m still able to lead a fulfilling life”
The theme for this year’s Dementia Action Week (20-26 September) is ‘A little support makes a big difference’. The national awareness-raising campaign will continue to lead the discussion about discrimination, which we know has a big impact on people living with dementia and their carers.
The ‘A little support makes a big difference’ campaign demonstrates that many people living with dementia can continue to live well for many years after their diagnosis with a little support, knowledge and understanding from those around them.
Natalie lives with dementia and shares how she continues to do things that are meaningful to her.
“My name is Natalie. I am a devoted mother of two beautiful daughters and loving mischievous cats, who all mean the world to me. I am a former educator by profession. Aside from these important roles, I love to travel, when we aren’t in lockdown, as well as taking on different art projects in my spare time. I love to cook and make time to keep fit by doing lots of walking and attending my local gym.
“I am also an extensively involved Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate. A highlight of this experience for me has been participating in Priceline’s Sisterhood runway at Virgin Australia’s Melbourne Fashion Festival (2020). I was empowered to represent myself as an inspiring woman and role model for living with younger onset dementia to a sold-out audience.
“My dementia journey started in 2018. In early 2021 I was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia by my speech pathologist as my speech was going through decline and I was experiencing many deficits. However, despite all the challenges, which there are many, I still am, for now, able to rise above them and lead a fulfilling life.”
As part of the 'A little support makes a big difference' campaign, we are sharing simple and practical tips to:
- Give a little support to a person living with dementia
- Give a little support to a carer, friend or family member of a person living with dementia
- Support healthcare professionals to make their practice more dementia-friendly.
Find out more at discrimination.dementia.org.au