Dementia Action Week 2020 will be 21 - 27 September 2020. The theme will be ‘Dementia. A little support makes a lot of difference’.
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.
Dementia Action Week 2020 will demonstrate 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 live well for as long as possible. The concept for Dementia Action Week 2020 has been developed in consultation with Dementia Advocates, who have a lived experience of dementia. The stories and voices that will feature across Dementia Action Week are real.
Dementia Australia’s engagement with Advocates indicates that there is a prevailing attitude that people living with dementia are old, frail and living in care.
These misconceptions lead to judgements about the capacity of a person living with dementia and such beliefs can lead to discrimination against people living with dementia.
During Dementia Action Week 2020, Dementia Australia will be releasing a new tip each day on how we can all support people living with dementia to live well.