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This year, Dementia Action Week takes place from 16-22 September and includes World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September.
“People living with dementia tell us they want to belong, they want to be part of their community, and to feel valued,” Dr Stokes says.
“That’s why this Dementia Action Week, Dementia Australia is encouraging people to take the first step to learn more about dementia and how they can help shape your community for the better.”
Dementia describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease.
Dementia Australia's executive director of services, advocacy and research, Dr Kaele Stokes, says the early signs of dementia can be very subtle and may not be immediately obvious.
According to Dr Stokes, common signs of dementia can include:
memory loss
changes in planning as well as problem-solving abilities
difficulty completing everyday tasks
confusion about time or place
trouble understanding what we see (objects, people), and distances, depth, and space in our surroundings
difficulty with speech, writing, or comprehension
misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
decreased or poor judgement
withdrawal from work or social activities
changes in mood and personality
“A number of conditions have symptoms similar to dementia, so it is essential to talk to your doctor when symptoms first appear,” Dr Stokes says.