Ed,

With around two-thirds of people with dementia living in the community this Dementia Action Week (16-22 September) we are calling on all Australians to take action to make their communities more welcoming and accessible for people living with dementia.

More than 421,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, but this number is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054.

A lack of knowledge and understanding of dementia can lead to people living with dementia feeling excluded and experiencing discrimination.

People living with dementia tell us they want to belong – they want to be part of their community and to feel valued.

That’s why this year’s theme for Dementia Action Week – 16-22 September – is ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’.

All people impacted by dementia deserve to be supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live.

So please, find out how you can influence change in your community to create a more dementia-friendly future at dementia.org.au.

Merran Kelsall AO,
Chair Dementia Australia