‘Why do people treat us differently?’: Urgent action needed to break down dementia stigma
Poor understanding of dementia among everyday Australians is leading to stigma and discrimination, new research released during Dementia Action Week has revealed.
Evaluating dementia knowledge, attitudes, perceived skills and competence following dementia education and training in the Namaste Care program
Care programs aimed at improving quality of life for older people with dementia in Australian residential aged care facilities (RACF) are limited. Generally, few interventions target this population at risk of invisibility, social isolation, and loneliness as they approach end of life.1 Knowledge of dementia in residential aged care staff is known to be variable […]
Pain management for patients with dementia: Identification and management
The Australian Bureau of Statistics1 reports that in 2018 there were 219,000 Australians with dementia – of which 43% experienced chronic pain that may have been difficult to recognise and treat. The incidence is high in this population due to comorbidities and age, whilst cognitive impairment may result in a reduced ability to report pain.2 […]
New program to help people move forward after a dementia diagnosis
An innovative new program is aiming to help an estimated 60,000 Australians diagnosed with dementia each year better understand the next steps and find their way forward. Most people feel overwhelmed when first diagnosed with dementia. They can experience despair of their future, lose hope and typically don’t know what to do next. To address […]
Number of Australians living with dementia continues to rise
The number of Australians living with dementia, the second leading cause of death in the country, is continuing to rise, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Launched today, the report, Dementia in Australia, is AIHW’s most comprehensive report on the disease since 2012. It provides latest statistics […]
Dementia Help Sheets released to help navigate COVID-19
Dementia Australia has released four Help Sheets outlining tips for people living with dementia, carers, family and friends of people living with dementia, and residential and home care providers on how to navigate the global coronavirus pandemic. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said people living with dementia were among the most vulnerable groups of society […]