Dementia Action Week 2023 is from 18-24 September, with World Alzheimer’s Day on Thursday 21 September. This year’s theme is Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future.
Communities that take action to become dementia-friendly have:
- less fear and a greater understanding of dementia
- less stigma and discrimination
- more support and better systems for people living with dementia to live well in their community for longer.
During Dementia Action Week, we encourage you to reach out to your community and learn more about the needs of people living with dementia, their families and carers who are living in your area.
- Become a Dementia Friend and build your understanding of dementia, the challenges faced by people living with dementia and how you can support them to stay connected.
- Dementia Australia has a wide range of information, education and services to support people with dementia, carers and families. Contact the Helpline on 1800 100 500
- Northern Beaches Dementia Friendly Community Video
A survey* of over 5000 people in 2019 highlighted the social isolation and stigma that people living with dementia and their families may encounter:
I feel like no one calls me anymore
94% of family members, friends or carers who responded to the survey say people haven’t kept in touch with a relative who lives with dementia as much as they used to
I’m not invited anymore
80% of family, friends and carers who responded to the survey say they haven’t been invited to social functions
Your words affect me
73% of family members, friends or carers who responded to the survey say people make jokes at the expense of their friend or relative who lives with dementia.
96% of family members, friends or carers who responded to the survey say people act as if they don’t know what to say to their friend or relative who lives with dementia
*Dementia Australia Discrimination Survey 2019