SEPTEMBER is Dementia Awareness Month with the focus on building dementia-friendly communities. That is why Inverell HACC Services Dementia Program has set up an exhibition at the Inverell Public Library.
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HACC Services Dementia and Carer Support Group co-ordinator, Sandy Jeffrey said it is all about creating understanding through knowledge.
“There is a lot of stigma around dementia and that is because most people don’t know a lot about it,” Sandy said.
“So there’s a few myths surrounding it that probably aren’t true. If you know a bit about it and know how to handle it, it’s not so bad.
“People with dementia often feel that it becomes the only thing others know about them. But they remain individuals in their own right and dementia is not the most important thing about them.”
Sandy said it is a very difficult diagnosis to make and there is no definitive test.
“It’s having a visit to your GP so they can eliminate other things, such as medication, underlying deficiencies or there might be some other condition that affects your memory,” Sandy said. She said forgetfulness is usual as we age and forgetting where you put your spectacles or car keys is not a sign of mental deterioration.
“It’s when it starts affecting you daily life and you keep doing it continuously.
“Like forgetting the day and the time and forgetting how to do everyday things, like how to shower, get dressed and cook,” Sandy said.
“That’s when you should go and do something about it because it may be something else, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is dementia.”
Sandy said there are about 70 types of dementia with Alzhe-imer’s disease and vascular dementia the most common types.
“The ability to lead a fulfilled life doesn’t stop on diagnosis. A good quality of life can be maintained and that is what this exhibition may help you to understand,” Sandy said.
Library manager Sonya Lange said a huge part of our community is going to be affected moving forward.
“So it is something we need to be aware of,” Sonya said.
“We’re really happy that we can improve understanding about dementia within the community. We’re a dementia friendly place to come and I hope the whole community can embrace that concept.”