DEMENTIA Action Week in September is an opportunity for the community to better understand dementia, spread awareness and advocacy, and support fundraising.
From the 16th to the 22nd of September, Dementia Australia encourages Australians to learn about the brain condition to better the way communities treat and respond to dementia.
More than 421,000 Australians live with dementia. As of right now, there is no cure, though treatments and care help to achieve the best quality of life.
Symptoms and effects of dementia vary from person to person, but generally mood, memory, behaviour, and thinking become impacted. Although dementia is most common in individuals after the age of 65, it is not a normal part of aging and is a medical condition that needs attention.
At the end of July, Ku-ring-gai Council, Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre and the Ku-ring-gai Dementia Alliance jointly organised the Brain Health Summit. Over 180 people attended, making the event a near sell-out.
Funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, specialists and speakers were present, shining a light on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a form of dementia linked to repeated head injuries in contact sport.
Dr Rowena Mobbs, renowned neurologist, gave an overview of CTE. David Thorpe, author and law lecturer, described the legal responsibilities of sporting organisations in the face of CTE. Michael Lipman spoke about his experience with CTE as an ex-international rugby union player. Dr Suraj Samtani, dementia expert, discussed symptoms, reducing risk, and living with dementia.
‘One of the forms of dementia which has attracted a lot of attention in recent times is CTE,’ says Ku-ring-gai Council Mayor, Sam Ngai. ‘This summit played a valuable role bringing together some of the best experts in the field to present the latest evidence-based strategies to manage CTE.’
Mayor Ngai notes that Ku0ring0gai is an aging population, with the number of people living with dementia expected to rise by 86% before 2054. The Brain Health Summit is part and parcel with Council’s work to become recognised as dementia-friendly by Dementia Australia.
To access the free guide, translated into English, Simplified Chinese, Farsi, and Korean, visit www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Community/Seniors/Dementia-friendly-communities
