Dementia is a common syndrome among people over 65 years old. It is even believed by the year 2058 there will be over one million people with the condition. Dementia Australia is a fantastic organisation that aims to represent those with Dementia and support for all their needs. Currently, 436,366 Australians are living with dementia, and Dementia Australia has a robust consumer approach that aims to share their stories. They have many ambassadors for their mission. Below is three of the representative's experiences and if you follow the link at the bottom, you can find other stories including video interviews.
Ita Buttrose, the Australian journalist, television personality and author, father had dementia, so she feels very close to the cause. She understands that dementia is more than the effect on the individual but also on those close to them. Due to this, she has had a long association with Dementia Australia. Buttrose wants to ensure people know where to get help and ensure that no one feels alone.
Ben Crocker, the professional AFL football player for the Collingwood Football Club, has had some experience with dementia. Crocker is one of the more recent Ambassadors. His father was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2014 at age 59. He believes people need a secure support network and ensures that his father should remain at home but stay involved with his family.
Jessica and Lisa Origliasso, or The Veronicas, has also had some very personal experience with dementia. Their mother was diagnosed with Lewy body disease which is one of the most common causes of dementia. In an interview with Dementia, they said,
"Until we went through this with our mum and started talking to others about dementia, we had no idea of the enormity of the issue and just how many other people are going through what our family is every day."
"After four years of misdiagnosis, we were heartbroken when we received the diagnosis and found it difficult to find information about what was going on."
"But by talking openly about it, and sharing our story, we hope we can let others know they are not alone and that there are help and support available.”
If you would like to read more of the ambassador's stories, you can by following this link. https://www.dementia.org.au/ambassadors
