In response to the pressing need to raise community understanding of dementia, Dementia Australia has created a free, easy to use Community Education Toolkit designed to enable community groups and organisations to self-deliver informative sessions about brain health and dementia.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the Toolkit was developed in response to an overwhelming community demand for dementia education and the need is reinforced by Dementia Australia's research findings.
"We have found that two in three people say they know very little about dementia1, despite it being the leading cause of death for women and the second leading cause of death of all Australians," Professor Buchanan said.
"With two in three people with dementia thought to be living in the community, this education is key to increased dementia awareness.
"More than 421,000 Australians living with dementia – which is projected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054 – so raising awareness about dementia and its impact within our communities must be a priority."
Dementia Australia has been supported in the development of the Toolkit by Ambassadors, comedian Geraldine Hickey and Home and Away's Jessica Redmayne who have generously shared their personal stories and talents to bring the video Toolkit to life in a way that's engaging, warm and resonating.
Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor and GP Dr Marita Long and Psychiatrist Dr Terence Chong have also contributed their clinical expertise covering sessions that discuss dementia, brain health, cognitive changes and how to support people with a dementia diagnosis to stay connected with their community.
"With this Community Education Toolkit and the community's support, we will be able to reach thousands of Australians, no matter where they live, through the accessible information, videos and interactive activities that can be tailored to the needs and interests of different communities." Professor Buchanan said.
"By sharing my story, I hope to show others impacted by dementia that they are not alone." Ms Redmayne said who cared for her mother who had younger onset dementia.
"Having a better understanding of dementia is an integral part of dealing with it." Ms Hickey said who cared for her father who had dementia.
"Our Community Education Toolkit will help everyone to reduce the impact of dementia for people now and into the future." Professor Buchanan said.
