ACCORDING to Dementia Australia, an estimated 487,500 Australians are currently living with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, this number is expected to rise to 1.1 million by 2058.
Many of us are affected by dementia, yet our societal attitude towards and understanding of the condition is poor.
“People are fearful of dementia, it’s something which no one wants to talk about,” says Tim England, Dementia Champion and Educator. “People are reluctant to go to a doctor and will do anything they can to hide the fact they have issues.”
The stigma surrounding dementia prevents many people from seeking medical advice, for fear of being diagnosed. According to England, people are good at hiding their symptoms within their home environment, where things are familiar.
Some of the most common symptoms include memory loss (usually noticed by someone else), confusion, difficulty finding words or understanding language, and difficulty with visual or spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving.
England strongly encourages people displaying dementia symptoms to seek medical help.
“Quite often, they might have a memory or cognitive issue, but it’s not dementia, it’s actually something else,” says England. “It could be depression, delirium, dehydration or [side effects] of medication. But they don’t see a doctor because they’re scared of the big ‘D’ word.”
The stigma surrounding dementia comes in many forms, including discriminatory behaviour based on assumptions about a person’s ability. This is especially true for people in the early stages of the disease, who report feeling embarrassed and belittled by the way other people treat them.
Although there is no cure for dementia, early symptoms can be managed through a combination of medication and lifestyle choices.
Dementia is a progressive disease; receiving a diagnosis does not mean someone must immediately abandon their work or daily routine. People with dementia can continue to live productive and dignified lives after an early diagnosis.
According to England, social isolation is one of the biggest issues within the dementia community.
“After diagnosis, friends don’t know how to interact with them anymore [and eventually] stop seeing them,” he says. “This is just rejection. It’s not intentional, but it happens.”
Dementia Cafés offer a solution to this issue of social isolation.
“A dementia café is a meeting place for people with the condition and their families to come together and start socialising,” says England.
In these places, people living with dementia and their carers find community support, friendship and connect with other people having similar experiences.
Although COVID restrictions have been “devastating” on this community, these spaces will continue to become more prevalent in the future.
For more information on dementia resources, social groups, and other contacts, go to www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/community/services/seniors/dementia-supporting-people-living-with-dementia-and-their-carers
