Urgent Action Needed: Community is Both the Challenge and Solution for People with Dementia

Dementia Australia has issued a call for urgent action as new research released during Dementia Action Week reveals that the ongoing lack of understanding of dementia among Australians continues to fuel stigma and discrimination. The report, titled “‘People in the Community’ are the Challenge and the Solution: Towards a Dementia-Friendly Future,” highlights that while community support can be transformative, it is also the primary source of challenges faced by those living with dementia.

Key findings from the 2024 research show:

• 71% of people with a loved one living with dementia reported their loved one was patronised by others.
• 76% felt their family member or friend with dementia was treated as though they were not intelligent.
• Two in three identified people in the community as the most frequent source of discrimination.
• One in three reported that people avoided or excluded their loved one with dementia.

Additionally, other surveys by Dementia Australia show persistent misconceptions, with one in three Australians still believing that dementia is a normal part of aging—a belief that has grown slightly over the past decade. Alarmingly, 68% of respondents in both 2012 and 2024 indicated they know very little about dementia.

Bobby Redman, Chair of the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee and an individual living with dementia, expressed her frustration over the lack of progress in understanding and awareness. “It’s almost unbelievable that we still have to talk about this. Why do people treat us differently? What have we done to deserve this? All we are asking for is to be understood, respected, and supported—basic human rights,” Ms. Redman said.

She emphasised the need for communities to recognise dementia as a disability, despite its invisibility, and to provide the necessary support to reduce social isolation. “If councils, businesses, and organizations acknowledged this, we could feel less isolated and more included,” she added.

While some communities are making efforts to combat discrimination and foster inclusion, Ms. Redman stressed that much more must be done to create dementia-friendly environments across the country.

Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia, noted that the research confirms “people in the community” are the primary source of discrimination toward those living with dementia. “The stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis can discourage people from seeking healthcare, including early diagnosis, and it often leads to reduced social engagement, which in turn negatively affects the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of the individual.”

Professor Buchanan called for collective action, urging local, state, territory, and federal governments, as well as community groups, to raise awareness and understanding of dementia and take steps to make communities more inclusive.

The report serves as a stark reminder that greater education, understanding, and community-driven initiatives are essential to reducing the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with dementia.

“It is incredibly disappointing that Australians’ understanding of dementia has not shifted in a decade and profoundly concerning that more people now think dementia is a normal part of ageing than they did a decade ago. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.

“We know that we can do better as there are great examples of dementia-friendly communities from around the country.

“And that’s why this Dementia Action Week (16-22 September) Dementia Australia is calling for urgent and sustained action by communities and governments at all levels to increase their awareness and understanding of dementia – and to become the solution.”

Head here to find out how you can join us to create a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live.

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Dementia Australia Launches Diversity Small Grant Program for Community Awareness

By Ian Rogers

Dementia Australia has announced the launch of its new Diversity Small Grant program, aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of dementia within Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The program offers grants of up to $30,000 for activities that promote dementia awareness in these communities.

Applications are now open and will remain so until 11 October. Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and CALD organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to develop culturally appropriate activities that help educate their communities about dementia.

Dementia rates among First Nations people are approximately 3-5 times higher than the general population, while 28% of people living with dementia in Australia were born in a non-English speaking country.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan highlighted the importance of this program in empowering communities to raise awareness in ways that best suit their needs. “We want everyone, regardless of background, to know that Dementia Australia is here to support them,” she said.

In addition to funding, successful applicants will receive two professional dementia information sessions for their staff or committee members, and continued support from Dementia Australia.

For more information and to apply, visit here.

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New Tools to Help Spot and Combat Scams

As part of Scams Awareness Week, the NSW Government is introducing new tools to protect people from the growing threat of data breaches and scams. The initiative includes a Scam Spotting Resource and an online Data Breach Portal to help the public verify the legitimacy of breach notifications.

According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, 2023 saw a 20% increase in reported scams, resulting in 601,000 scams and $2.7 billion in losses. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib emphasised the importance of staying safe online and outlined how these new resources will help individuals better identify scams and take action when their data is compromised.

“Young people aged 18 to 24 are at greater risk of falling victim to scams, and the number of reported scams among people under 18 has nearly quadrupled since last year,” according to the Australian Institute of Criminology.

Key new tools include:

• Online Teacher’s Toolkit: Developed by ID Support NSW, this toolkit equips students in years 9 to 12 with the skills to recognize and protect themselves from scams. The toolkit features interactive activities, quizzes, videos, and case studies, along with practical tips such as regularly changing passwords and avoiding sharing personal information online.
• Data Breach Portal: This portal allows people to verify if an email from ID Support NSW notifying them of a data breach is legitimate. In 2023, ID Support NSW notified nearly 200,000 people that their personal information had been compromised.
• Personal Information Risk Assessment Tool (PIRAT): This tool helps individuals and businesses assess the security risks of storing customer data and provides a risk level based on the likelihood of cybercriminal activity. It can be used both proactively and after a data breach.

For more information or to use these tools, visit:

• Data Breach Portal
• PIRAT Risk Assessment Tool
• ID Support NSW Resources

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