Dementia, a medical condition characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities, is still widely misunderstood around the world. According to a 2019 survey conducted by Dementia Australia, which gathered responses from nearly 70,000 individuals across 155 countries, two-thirds of people believe that dementia is a normal part of aging rather than a medical condition. This lack of understanding poses serious challenges for individuals living with dementia and their families.
A study by BMC Public Health also revealed that Australians over the age of 65 fear dementia the most, and this fear can act as a barrier to early diagnosis and screening. The fear may stem from the depiction of individuals with dementia in popular culture, where they are often portrayed as violent or aggressive. However, Bobby Redman, Chair of the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee and a person living with dementia, points out that such portrayals are extreme and do not reflect the reality of living with the condition.
Redman emphasizes that individuals with dementia are just regular people with an illness, and that understanding and empathy are crucial in debunking stereotypes and breaking down barriers. Similar to any form of discrimination or stigma, once people become familiar with individuals from the dementia community, the fear dissipates.
Unfortunately, Dementia Australia’s research also reveals that 80% of those with a loved one living with dementia perceive differential treatment towards people with dementia in shops, cafes, and restaurants. This finding highlights the urgent need for education and awareness campaigns to address the ways in which society interacts with individuals with dementia.
In order to foster a more inclusive and compassionate society, it is essential to continue building awareness about the nature and facts of dementia. By challenging misconceptions, promoting understanding, and providing support to individuals living with dementia and their families, we can work towards a world that embraces and supports everyone, regardless of their cognitive abilities.
Sources:
– Dementia Australia (www.dementia.org.au)
– BMC Public Health (www.bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com)
