Dementia Awareness Month is Dementia Australia’s national awareness-raising campaign held every year throughout September.
Its aim is to encourage all Australians to become more aware of dementia, to get a better understanding of what it is like to live with dementia and how we can support people living with dementia.
This year’s theme is Small actions Big difference.
Dementia Friends
People living with dementia can find it challenging to participate actively in the community due, in part, to a lack knowledge or understanding of the condition and how it can impact people.
In fact, a recent survey by Dementia Australia found people living with dementia and carers reported experiencing embarrassing situations, feel strongly disconnected, feel less competent and sometimes feel useless[1].
By becoming a Dementia Friend, and increasing your awareness of dementia and its impacts, you can help a family member, friend, neighbour or co-worker living with dementia feel accepted, safe, included and involved.
A little understanding and kindness can go a long way.
[1]Dementia Australia (August 2017) Dementia and the impact of stigma
To become a Dementia Friend or simply learn more about dementia visit our
Dementia Friendly Communities website
Dementia language guidelines
What is appropriate language for talking about dementia and why do we need it?
The words used to talk or write about dementia can have a significant impact on how people living with dementia are viewed and treated in our community.
Each person impacted by dementia has a story to tell. Many want to share their story to help improve the lives of others. Take a look at the writings of three influential advocates below.
Christine Bryden
Christine Bryden was only 46 when she was diagnosed with dementia in 1995.
Christine is passionate about overcoming stigma, and creating a dementia-friendly society, in which people with dementia are given hope and encouragement, and are supported and included. She wants to see an end to the discrimination against people with dementia, to see compassionate care of people with dementia at all stages, and to see real efforts being made to find cures for the more than one hundred diseases that cause dementia.
Kate Swaffer
A humanitarian, advocate and activist for people with dementia, Kate Swaffer was diagnosed with the disease in 2008, just before her 50th birthday. Refusing to be defeated by the diagnosis, Kate has helped redefine the way the world views dementia .
An accomplished author and poet, Kate has written blogs, books and articles advocating for life beyond a diagnosis of dementia. Kate’s writings provide an invaluable insight into one person’s journey and thoughts about living with dementia.
Wendy Mitchell
Wendy was diagnosed with Alzheimers when she was 58 but the progress of the disease has not slowed her. Despite stopping work Wendy is now busier than she has ever been — giving talks and media interviews as well as writing with a view to imparting knowledge to the health sector and broader community about how to better interact with people with a diagnosis of dementia.
Read Wendy’s blog
Which me am I today
Browse personal accounts of dementia in the Dementia E-library
