Dementia Australia has produced a short film in Hindi to help de-stigmatise and promote awareness of the condition among the non- English speaking communities of Australia. It is produced in partnership with Why Documentaries and the Multicultural Communities Council of the Illawarra.

The purpose of this production is to encourage the acceptance of dementia as a medical condition, dispel myths, and educate the community about the disease. The documentary features carers of dementia patients giving their personal accounts of their experiences along with health professionals.

Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 425,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach more than 1.1 million by 2056. Dementia Australia is the new voice of Alzheimer’s Australia.

National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500

Web: www.dementia.org.au

Dementia

Dementia is broad term that represents brain diseases that results in gradual decrease of brain functions that is great enough to affect a person’s daily functioning. Common Symptoms include emotional problems, problems with language, and a decrease in motivation.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. There is no known cure for Dementia.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common affected areas include memory, visual-spatial, language, attention and problem solving. At the early stages the sufferers may exhibit Balance problems, Tremor, Speech and language difficulty, Trouble eating or swallowing, Wandering or restlessness and visual problems

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia include Agitation, Depression, Anxiety, Abnormal motor behaviour, Elated mood, Irritability and Changes in sleep or appetite.