Australians urged to seek out timely dementia diagnosis
- Replies 1
When we begin to experience symptoms of illness, it's common to feel worried, particularly when we detect any potential indicators of conditions like dementia.
In Australia, dementia ranks among the leading causes of death and places a significant burden on our society. With around 401,300 Australians living with dementia, it's no surprise that this condition has grabbed the public's attention.
However, it's troubling to note that up to half of those affected have not received a diagnosis yet.
'While we don’t yet have a cure for dementia, diagnosis is essential for people with dementia to access treatments, rehabilitation, therapies and supports,' explained Lee-Fay Low, a Professor in Ageing and Health at the University of Sydney.
‘Timely diagnosis, regardless of age or disease progression, allows for the person and their family to adjust, plan ahead, and make lifestyle changes now that can slow the progression of dementia and significantly improve their quality of life,’ explained Prof Lee-Fay Low.
To help Australians become more aware of the signs of dementia and the benefits of getting an early diagnosis, a public awareness campaign, called Face Dementia, has been launched by researchers from seven Australian universities.
The Face Dementia campaign will focus on Western Sydney and Adelaide throughout Dementia Awareness Week. It will include online resources, community events and awareness-raising activities working with local primary health and community organisations, as well as Dementia Australia.
Leading researchers from the University of Sydney, University of Wollongong, Flinders University, Deakin University, UNSW Sydney, University of Queensland and the University of Tasmania developed some resources for the programme.
'We want Australians to be able to recognise early signs of dementia and to understand the benefits of getting a timely diagnosis. The resources shared as part of the campaign can help families to start a conversation about concerns, and ask their GP for an assessment,' said Professor Low.
One of the online resources includes a checklist that will help people with concerns to identify symptoms and provide advice on how to have difficult conversations with family and talk with a GP.
Professor Kate Laver of Flinders University also explained, ‘We have worked with people living with dementia, families, older people and health professionals in the design of the campaign and resources to ensure it meets their needs. In parallel, we have also developed a program to support GPs and practice nurses in detecting and managing dementia.’
Here are some accounts highlighting the impact of timely diagnosis
At the age of 59, Ann Pietsch, a resident of Adelaide, received a diagnosis of younger-onset dementia. She attributes her timely diagnosis to her proactive approach.
'My diagnosis allowed me to get the help I needed, and an early diagnosis gave me time to get on with my life,' she said.
Stephen Grady, a resident of Western Sydney, received a diagnosis of younger-onset dementia at 60. He discovered that connecting with fellow individuals living with dementia aided his adjustment and deepened his understanding of the diagnosis.
'I want to encourage others to be aware of the signs of dementia, be firm in advocating for yourself, and to get an early diagnosis.'
'Many people delay visiting a GP because they don’t want to acknowledge the changes or know if they have dementia. But a timely diagnosis provides access to treatment to slow progression and support to continue living well,' a Sydney-based GP, Dr Dimity Pond, said.
'If you, or someone you know is experiencing changes in ability, behaviour, personality, thinking or memory, it might be dementia. If you are concerned, ask your GP for an assessment.'
'A cognitive screen can be done as part of a comprehensive annual assessment for senior Australians over 75 years. It is a good way to get a baseline, so your GP or practice nurse can monitor changes. They can also help you to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of dementia,' she also mentioned.
So members, if you have any concerns, please ask your GP for an assessment. Also, take a look at the Face Dementia campaign materials. They could help you spot signs early and support a loved one for an early diagnosis.
In Australia, dementia ranks among the leading causes of death and places a significant burden on our society. With around 401,300 Australians living with dementia, it's no surprise that this condition has grabbed the public's attention.
However, it's troubling to note that up to half of those affected have not received a diagnosis yet.
'While we don’t yet have a cure for dementia, diagnosis is essential for people with dementia to access treatments, rehabilitation, therapies and supports,' explained Lee-Fay Low, a Professor in Ageing and Health at the University of Sydney.
It’s important you seek medical assistance if you’re experiencing symptoms of dementia. Image source: Pixabay.
‘Timely diagnosis, regardless of age or disease progression, allows for the person and their family to adjust, plan ahead, and make lifestyle changes now that can slow the progression of dementia and significantly improve their quality of life,’ explained Prof Lee-Fay Low.
To help Australians become more aware of the signs of dementia and the benefits of getting an early diagnosis, a public awareness campaign, called Face Dementia, has been launched by researchers from seven Australian universities.
The Face Dementia campaign will focus on Western Sydney and Adelaide throughout Dementia Awareness Week. It will include online resources, community events and awareness-raising activities working with local primary health and community organisations, as well as Dementia Australia.
Leading researchers from the University of Sydney, University of Wollongong, Flinders University, Deakin University, UNSW Sydney, University of Queensland and the University of Tasmania developed some resources for the programme.
'We want Australians to be able to recognise early signs of dementia and to understand the benefits of getting a timely diagnosis. The resources shared as part of the campaign can help families to start a conversation about concerns, and ask their GP for an assessment,' said Professor Low.
One of the online resources includes a checklist that will help people with concerns to identify symptoms and provide advice on how to have difficult conversations with family and talk with a GP.
Professor Kate Laver of Flinders University also explained, ‘We have worked with people living with dementia, families, older people and health professionals in the design of the campaign and resources to ensure it meets their needs. In parallel, we have also developed a program to support GPs and practice nurses in detecting and managing dementia.’
Here are some accounts highlighting the impact of timely diagnosis
At the age of 59, Ann Pietsch, a resident of Adelaide, received a diagnosis of younger-onset dementia. She attributes her timely diagnosis to her proactive approach.
'My diagnosis allowed me to get the help I needed, and an early diagnosis gave me time to get on with my life,' she said.
Stephen Grady, a resident of Western Sydney, received a diagnosis of younger-onset dementia at 60. He discovered that connecting with fellow individuals living with dementia aided his adjustment and deepened his understanding of the diagnosis.
Understanding a dementia diagnosis is key. Image source: Pixabay.
'I want to encourage others to be aware of the signs of dementia, be firm in advocating for yourself, and to get an early diagnosis.'
'Many people delay visiting a GP because they don’t want to acknowledge the changes or know if they have dementia. But a timely diagnosis provides access to treatment to slow progression and support to continue living well,' a Sydney-based GP, Dr Dimity Pond, said.
'If you, or someone you know is experiencing changes in ability, behaviour, personality, thinking or memory, it might be dementia. If you are concerned, ask your GP for an assessment.'
'A cognitive screen can be done as part of a comprehensive annual assessment for senior Australians over 75 years. It is a good way to get a baseline, so your GP or practice nurse can monitor changes. They can also help you to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of dementia,' she also mentioned.
So members, if you have any concerns, please ask your GP for an assessment. Also, take a look at the Face Dementia campaign materials. They could help you spot signs early and support a loved one for an early diagnosis.
.png){kind=icon}
