While the effects of dementia vary, affecting your mood, memory, thinking and behaviour, it is not a normal part of ageing.
That is why surrounding Dementia Action Week, which was held recently, the community is being challenged to reach out and reconnect to someone impacted by dementia because nobody can do it alone.
According to Dementia Prevalence Data from Dementia Australia in 2025, 379 people in Federation Shire are suffering with dementia while the number for 2054 is predicted to almost double with 657.
In Indigo 374 people are estimated to have dementia while in 2054 it is predicted 697 people will have been diagnosed.
Dementia has been the leading cause of death for women for some time but recently the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) 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.
With an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved in their care, chances are you know someone who is impacted by dementia.
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.
Almost 40 per cent of people living with dementia said people didn’t keep in touch as they used to while more than a third said people treated them differently since finding out they had dementia.
An 93 per cent of carers said their role was emotionally demanding while 54 per cent of families and carers said they often felt that they were treated unfairly, reflecting the ripple effect of stigma on those closely connected to someone living with dementia.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the report, reveals the enormous impact dementia has on Australian families.
“These figures highlight just how many families are impacted by dementia across Australia,” Professor Buchanan said.
“People affected by dementia often tell us that friends and family drift away after a diagnosis, because they are unsure of how to interact.
“That’s why the theme for this year’s Dementia Action Week is ‘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 many experience.”
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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