Talking points for dementia advocacy

Whether you do one or some of the tips included on this page, every action and every conversation makes a difference at any time of the year. The most important thing is to have your say.

The key is to prepare what you want to say or ask, below are some quick and easy actions you can take now.

Whatever method you choose, here are some talking points you may like to use:

A lack of knowledge and understanding of dementia may lead to people living with dementia experiencing stigma and discrimination in the community. But it doesn’t have to.
This Dementia Action Week, running from 16-22 September, Dementia Australia is encouraging everyone to take the first step to learn more about dementia and how you can help shape our communities to create a more dementia-friendly future.
Visit our Dementia Action Week page 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.

Sharing your personal connection to dementia can be very powerful.

Sharing a bit about yourself and your personal connection to dementia is a great way for people to relate and learn more about what it is like to live with dementia or to be a carer.
When sharing your story consider the theme of Dementia Action Week. Have you or your loved one experienced any isolation or discrimination because of dementia? What does your local community do to welcome and include you or your loved one living with dementia?
You don’t have to speak for long or share details you are uncomfortable sharing. Try and finish up your talk by reminding people about Dementia Action Week and how they can get involved.

Below are some talking points you might want to use when spreading the word.

Talking points about Dementia Action Week

What is Dementia Action Week and why does it exist?

Dementia Action Week is an annual awareness raising week run by Dementia Australia.
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 Dementia Action Week (16-22 September) Dementia Australia is encouraging you to take the first step to learn more about dementia and how you can help shape your community for the better.

Why is it important to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with dementia?

A lack of knowledge and understanding of dementia may lead to people living with dementia experiencing stigma and discrimination in the community.
For example, Dementia Australia research shows eight in ten people with a loved one living with dementia felt that people in shops, cafes and restaurants treated people with dementia differently.
One in three Australians find people with dementia frightening.
This is why this Dementia Action Week we are asking everyone to visit our Dementia Action Week page 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.

If I only had one minute to tell some about Dementia Action Week and why they should get involved, what should I say?

A lack of knowledge and understanding of dementia may lead to people living with dementia experiencing stigma and discrimination in the community. But it doesn’t have to.
This Dementia Action Week, running from 16-22 September, Dementia Australia is encouraging everyone to take the first step to learn more about dementia and how you can help shape our communities to create a more dementia-friendly future.
Visit our Dementia Action Week page 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.

If I wanted to share my personal connection to dementia whilst encouraging others to get involved with Dementia Action Week, how can I best do that?

Sharing a bit about yourself and your personal connection to dementia is a great way for people to relate and learn more about what it is like to live with dementia or to be a carer.
When sharing your story consider the theme of Dementia Action Week. Have you or your loved one experienced any isolation or discrimination because of dementia? What does your local community do to welcome and include you or your loved one living with dementia?
You don’t have to speak for long or share details you are uncomfortable sharing. Try and finish up your talk by reminding people about Dementia Action Week and how they can get involved.

How can people get involved in Dementia Action Week?

There are lots of ways to get involved in Dementia Action Week 2024.
Visit our Dementia Action Week page to find out how you can get involved and join us to create a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities.

Talking points about dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia is a progressive, fatal disease of the brain.
Dementia is an umbrella term to describe a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s function. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.
There are many different types of dementia – in fact there are more than 100 different types - with the most common form being Alzheimer’s disease. Other forms include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies.

How can you manage the symptoms of dementia?

There is no known cure for dementia, but healthcare professionals, medications and other therapies can help with some symptoms, including depression and anxiety.
With the right support, people can live well with dementia for many years.
Throughout someone’s dementia journey, they will receive treatment from different health professionals. These can include general practitioners or family doctors, medical specialists, allied health professionals and nurses.
Dementia Australia also provides education, information and support. No one should have to face dementia alone. Call us on 1800 100 500 at any time.

Who develops dementia and why?

Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65.
Age is the biggest risk factor but being older doesn’t mean you will develop dementia.
Your potential for developing dementia may be influenced by non-modifiable risk factors are risks that cannot be changed, such as:
- age – as you age, your risk of developing dementia increases
- genetics – there are a few rare forms of dementia associated with specific genes
- family history – a family history of dementia increases your risk of developing dementia but at this stage it is not clear why.
Modifiable risk factors are risks that can be changed through lifestyle choices. You can reduce your risk of dementia by looking after your heart, body and brain health.