It’s Dementia Action Week (21 to 27 September) and this year’s theme is ‘It’s time to talk about dementia’. While some cases of dementia cannot be avoided, Dementia Australia reports that up to 45 per cent of cases globally could be delayed or prevented by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors.
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has collated a range of dementia risk reduction resources for health professionals and patients including a personalised dementia risk reduction tool called CogDrisk, and practical tools and resources to support preventive care discussions. This webpage also includes resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and multicultural communities.
Having conversations about brain health and dementia can help reduce stigma, increase understanding of dementia and support discussion about dementia risk reduction. See the Dementia Action Week Digital Toolkit to download and share promotional resources through your practice channels.
Free information and support for GPs and other health professionals is also available on the Dementia Australia website. GPs can also access free training and education through Dementia Training Australia.
Patients can be directed to the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or dementia.org.au.