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.
To access the Toolkit visit dementia.org.au/community-education-toolkit, contact innovation@dementia.org.au with any enquiries or contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Dementia Australia’s Community Education Toolkit is funded by The Lionel & Yvonne Spencer Trust.
- Dementia Australia Report, Ipsos June 2024. Unpublished. p.9
-Ends-
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contact: Catherine McCarthy, Media and Communications Advisor catherine.mccarthy@dementia.org.au 0466 796 201
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
