It describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain and can affect your mood, memory, thinking and behaviour.
Locals can learn more about dementia at the next talk being presented as part of the Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee’s Lifting Health Outcomes initiative.
It will be held Wednesday, June 5 from 10.30am to noon at Deniliquin Community Health Centre on Macauley St (opposite Navorina).
Guest speaker will be Andrea McCarthy, a clinician with the Older Person’s Mental Health service.
“Andrea will discuss what dementia is, and how it may present,” Deniliquin LHAC chair Lynda Barclay said.
“She will also explain how to seek help, get a diagnosis, as well as discuss the services that are available.
“The talk will go for about 30 minutes, with lots of opportunities to ask questions and to then have time for a cuppa and a chat.”
Dementia is one of 12 health areas the Lifting Health Outcomes initiative aims to increase awareness on through its banner campaign.
The initiative urges residents to take health into their hands with a strong call to action, which ultimately aims to reduce risk and improve health.
Research shows that more 420,000 Australians live with dementia.
It can occur at any age, but is much more common over the age of 65 years old.
While dementia isn’t curable, there are things that you can do to reduce the risk of developing dementia, and treatments available that can help with the symptoms.
Whilst registration to attend the talk is not compulsory, people are asked to register their details by texting 0439 373 764 with their name, or send an email to wallamunga9@gmail.com.
In the meantime, learn more about dementia by scanning the QR code on page 8.