“You are not alone” is the important message for people with dementia, their carers and the general public

1 September 2016

People with dementia and carers are significantly lonelier than the general population, the Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia and Loneliness Report  has shown. The research has sparked calls for greater awareness and understanding of dementia by the general public so that people living with the condition feel less isolated and alone.

Alzheimer’s Australia’s message is for people with dementia, their carers and the general public:

For people with dementia – you are not alone

• There are 353,800 people living with dementia in Australia
• There is information, advice and support available that can help
• Call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500
• Alzheimer’s Australia provides support for you and your family and carers if you have any form of dementia

For carers of people with dementia – you are not alone

• There are approximately 1.2 million Australians involved in the care of a person with dementia
• There is information, advice and support available for carers that can help
• Call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500

For the Australian public – you are not alone

• You are not alone in knowing very little about dementia – 6 in 10 Australians admit they know very little about dementia
• 25% of Australians find people with dementia frightening: by finding out more about dementia you can help to break down the stigma and misunderstanding associated with the condition.

The Alzheimer’s Australia Website provides excellent information including numerous help sheets.

There is also a separate section specifically for health professionals.

For Dementia Awareness Month, there are many events taking place with internationally renowned speakers.