Dementia in the suburbs Page 4 Milestones Issue 7 August 2010

In this issue:

Dementia numbers to soar Page 3

Become a Champion Page 7 Mind Matters Craig Masarei – Chairman, Alzheimer’s Australia WA

In the next two weeks I want you to join me and do three things to make a difference to people with dementia.

For almost 30 years Alzheimer's • That every Australian with This year's theme, "Worried Australia WA has been providing a dementia can live with dignity; about your memory", is aimed at wide range of services to people with encouraging people who may have • That every Australian carer dementia and their carers. a concern about increasing memory receives the support they need; lapses to see their GP and to contact However, to have any sort of impact • That a cure is found; and Alzheimer's Australia WA. on the quality of life of people with • That people are aware of how to dementia and their carers and to end reduce their risk of dementia. Memory Walk the dementia epidemic, we need the Our annual awareness raising and whole of society to take dementia You can make a difference by: fundraising Memory Walk will be held seriously. 1. Contacting your local Federal on Sunday 19 September as part of member/candidate and asking Dementia Awareness Week. This is an Latest prevalence projections them to detail their policy on opportunity for all our members and This year, we commissioned Access dementia; supporters to make a public stand Economics to report on the number of against dementia. people with dementia in WA for every 2. Signing up as a Dementia decade from 2010 to 2050. Champion (see pg 7); and I encourage you to wear your membership pin on the day and walk The key findings from the report were 3. Registering for the Memory Walk with pride as we remember family distributed to every Federal and State (see pg 9). and friends with Alzheimer's disease politician and to local government and other forms of dementia. authorities in WA. We have also developed an election kit to help you when you contact Dementia Symposium The media has responded with great your local Federal member and the Another highlight of Dementia interest to the latest dementia figures contesting candidates. To obtain your Awareness Week will be the two day which were also broken down to a copy of the kit, contact us on (08) 9388 symposium entitled "Many Voices: local council level. 2800 or visit www.alzheimers.asn.au dementia and minority groups". To be held on 16 and 17 September, While reporting these figures may Dementia Awareness Week it will give health professionals and raise awareness about the size of the Each year, Dementia Awareness Week carers opportunities to learn about problem we are facing, we still need is held nationally in the month of the issues related to caring for to harness our people power. September to highlight the prevalence people with dementia from a diverse of dementia and the issues faced by background or who have special Governments take notice of voters people living with dementia. needs. and the current Federal election gives us the rare opportunity to demonstrate that people do care about dementia.

Our vision • That every Australian with dementia receives the highest quality care;

2 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA Dementia numbers to soar

A new Access Economics Report predicts the most rapid growth in dementia in WA will be in the next 10 years.

The report, “Projections of dementia prevalence and incidence in WA: 2010 – 2050”, projects that the growth of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will outpace WA’s population growth in every decade.

It found the number of people with dementia will rise from 23,000 to 58,000 by 2030 and is expected to reach 109,000 by 2050.

Local Government Areas affected The report, which was released by Minister for Commerce, Science and Innovation, the Hon Bill Marmion MLA, found the top 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in New report: The Hon. Bill Marmion MLA (far right) with Alzheimer’s Australia Vice-Chairman 2010 ranked according to dementia prevalence were; Stirling, Melville, Jenny Rogers and CEO Frank Schaper launching the report at Parliament House. Joondalup, Mandurah, Wanneroo, Rockingham, Gosnells, Canning, was working hard to provide quality Bayswater and Swan. services and improve care for people Key findings with dementia and their carers. Urgent need for action 1. There are 23,000 people with Alzheimer’s Australia WA Chief “We are also working with the dementia in WA. Executive Officer, Frank Schaper, Australian Government and non- said the report confirmed the urgent government providers, including 2. This figure will rise to 58,000 need for governments and the Alzheimer’s Australia WA, to provide by 2030 and to 109,000 by community as a whole to take action quality Home and Community Care 2050. against dementia which is already the Services,” he said. 3. Number of people with nation’s third leading cause of death. dementia will increase by Centre of Excellence in 375% from 2010 to 2050. “The accelerating growth in the Dementia Care number of people with dementia will Mr Schaper also urged the State 4. 2010 - 18 new cases of have dire consequences for the WA Government to invest in the nation’s dementia a day. health care system and the quality first Centre of Excellence in Dementia of life of all Western Australians. The Care. 5. 2050 - 117 new cases of burden of care will fall more onto dementia a day. families as our health and aged care The new Centre, which will be at system will struggle to cope,” he said. Curtin University of Technology’s 6. The most rapid growth in Bentley campus, will provide the number of people with Mr Schaper said the report specialised training for people dementia in WA is in the next underlined the need for further action involved in dementia-specialist 10 years. in key areas such as risk reduction services such as occupational 7. There are 1,600 people in WA programs, quality dementia care therapists, nurses, social workers and aged under 65 with dementia services and research to address the other health care workers. dementia epidemic. 8. In 2050, there will be 4,000 “It will improve the standard of people in WA aged under 65 State Government Responds dementia care for people with the with dementia. In launching the report, the Hon Bill condition in our State now and into Marmion MLA, said the Government the future,” he said.

Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 3 Suburbs to bear the brunt of the dementia epidemic 2010 Top five local government areas (metropolitan WA) ranked by dementia prevalence: Stirling, Melville, Joondalup, Wanneroo and Rockingham.

The growth of dementia in WA is expected to hit suburbs including Wanneroo, Stirling, Rockingham, Joondalup and Gosnells in the next 40 years.

Mandurah, which already has more people with dementia than any other regional area will continue to feel the impact with a 509% growth in the next 40 years.

Factors considered Alzheimer’s Australia WA Chief Executive Officer Frank Schaper said the predicted increase in the number of people with dementia took into account age demographics, population growth and mortality rates.

"Coupled with our ageing population and the fact that we are living longer, we expect to see the number of people with dementia rising in the next few decades," he said.

Reduce your risk Mr Schaper said the community can start to take action by learning how to reduce their risk of dementia through the organisation’s free “Mind your Mind” workshops.

“Even though we have yet to find a way to prevent dementia, there are steps we can take now to reduce our risk of developing the condition later in life,” he said.

Of particular concern is the projected increase in the number of people with preventable dementia. For example diabetes is linked to an increased risk while obesity is a risk factor for vascular dementia.

"People don't understand that dementia is a fatal condition and we have to take it very seriously", Mr Schaper said.

4 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA Suburbs to bear the brunt of the dementia epidemic 2050 Top five local government areas (metropolitan WA) ranked by dementia prevalence: Wanneroo, Stirling, Rockingham, Joondalup and Gosnells.

2050 Top 10 metro areas by no. of people with dementia

Wanneroo 10,325 Stirling 9,557 Rockingham 5,969 Joondalup 5,844 Gosnells 5,555 Swan 5,273 Melville 4,814 Cockburn 3,859 Canning 3,331 Armadale 3,033

2050 Top 10 regional areas by no. of people with dementia

Mandurah 7,626 Busselton 2,465 Albany 2,210 Geraldton 2,115 Bunbury 1,764 Harvey 1,568 Murray 1,347 Dardanup 1,310 Margaret River 616 Esperance 612

Detailed figures for every local government area, State and Federal electorates in , as well as copies of the full Access Economics report “Projections of dementia prevalence and incidence in WA: 2010 – 2050” are available online: www.dementiachampions.org.au

Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 5 Let’s get serious The Federal election gives us an opportunity to voice our concerns about how the Australian Government views dementia.

As we listen to all the issues raised of where they live ($458 million) 380,000 each year; during this Federal election campaign of which $266 million is for • By 2060 spending on dementia our politicians are silent on one community care; is set to outstrip any other health of the most important issues for 3. Improved quality of dementia care condition; voters during the next two decades - ($45 million); dementia. • Dementia is the leading cause of 4. Improved health services for disability in Australians aged over Perhaps they are silent because we people with dementia ($260 65; are not speaking out enough. million); • Dementia is the third largest cause 5. Cutting edge research into of death; and Will $1 billion make a difference? the causes and prevention of Alzheimer’s organisations throughout • By 2020 there will be around dementia ($220 million); and Australia have joined together and 75,000 baby boomers with are asking that $1 billion be allocated 6. A dementia risk reduction dementia. during the next five years to beat the program ($4.5 million). Federal Election Kit epidemic. Key facts You can make a difference by making Some key facts that may assist you: your local member or candidates However, politicians need to hear aware of the impact dementia from individual voters as well and • There are 250,000 people with is having on our society and the we ask you to join us and write to, or dementia in Australia; dramatic increase in numbers of approach your local Federal member people who will be affected in the and candidates to commit $1 billion • By 2050 this will increase to future. to help fund: 1,000,000; • There are 1 million family carers Copies of the "Let’s get serious 1. A national communication of people with dementia; about dementia" campaign kit can strategy to promote dementia be downloaded from our Dementia understanding ($12.5 million); • It is estimated that there will be Champions website at more than 75,000 new cases of 2. Improved access to dementia www.dementiachampions.org.au or dementia this year; care services for Australians from by calling Alzheimer’s Australia WA all cultures and ages, regardless • By 2050 this will increase to on (08) 9388 2800.

Risk of dementia by age % of population

Years Source: Access Economics: Keeping dementia 6 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA lzheimer’s Australia WA front of mind: incidence and prevalence 2009-2050. Become a Champion Alzheimer's Australia WA has launched a social movement where you can become the 'voice' for people with dementia.

The Dementia Champions ONLINE DEMENTIA CHAMPIONS campaign seeks to advocate on behalf of the 23,000 His Excellency Dr Ken Michael Frank Alban, MLA Western Australians who Governor of Western Australia Member for Swan Hills have Alzheimer’s disease "Dementia poses "For eight years after or other forms of dementia significant challenges for mum died, I watched dad and are often the forgotten our community. I offer struggle with dementia. people in our community. my support for those I promised myself if ever people suffering from I was in a position to do Ending the isolation dementia and encourage something, I would help Alzheimer's Australia WA further research into this in any way possible." Chief Executive Officer debilitating disease." Chris Tallentire, MLA Frank Schaper, said that Member for Gosnells stories of people with Hon. Lynn MacLaren, MLC "I want to help save dementia gradually Member for South Metropolitan Region people from the loneliness losing all their friends "Dementia is that comes with and being isolated from indiscriminate and dementia; a loneliness the community are all too its effects are felt that is felt by the sufferer common. throughout the community. I am and their loved ones." "Friends and family tend committed to advocating Paul Papalia CSC, MLA to stay away as they don't for those affected by Member for Warnbro know how to deal with the dementia." "Dementia is a serious person's behaviours as the and increasingly prevalent dementia progresses," he John McGrath, MLA challenge for the entire said. Government Whip, Member for South "My grandmother community – I am happy to support those who "People with dementia end developed dementia in suffer in any way I can." up losing social contact her late 60s. It greatly and are often hidden away impacted on her quality Hon. Helen Morton, MLC at home or in an aged care of life. I fully support Member for the East Metropolitan Region facility." public dementia risk reduction programs." "Dementia is a growing health issue that must be Breaking down the addressed at every level; barriers Hon. Alison Xamon MLC care, support services; Now is the time for the Member for East Metropolitan Region preventative programs community to have "As someone who and most importantly, a conversation about has been the Carer research." dementia and to understand for a loved one with and accept people with Alzheimer’s I have lived Hon. Colin Holt, MLC dementia. through the grief and the challenges that Member for the South West Region President The Nationals WA Show you care... act now this wretched disease "Dementia is a challenge You can sign up as a brings. I want to help that already faces many Dementia Champion online raise awareness and to advocate for more West Australians. With - www.dementiachampions. research funding." our aging population, org.au, leave a message the number of people of support and begin to Andrew Waddell, MLA suffering is likely to act now for people with Member for Forrestfield increase. There is a need dementia and their families "I have seen the brutal to increase the understanding of the issue using the resources impact of Dementia in to all." available online. my own family. It is a scourge we must strive See more at to eliminate." www.dementiachampions.org.au

Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 7 Symposium to explore the needs of people with dementia from diverse cultural backgrounds, indigenous people, people with Down Syndrome and dementia and younger onset dementia.

As part of Dementia Awareness Week Down Syndrome and dementia and Dr Kate Smith is a Research Fellow 2010, Alzheimer’s Australia WA will be dementia care for gays and lesbians. with the WA Centre hosting a two-day symposium on 16 for Health and and 17 September at the University Featured speakers Ageing, University Club of Western Australia. of Western Professor Nicola Lautenschlager Australia, working The “Many Voices - Dementia and is Professor and Chair of Psychiatry on projects minority groups” symposium will of Old Age and Head of the Academic in Aboriginal focus on the special needs of people Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age, at the and Torres Strait with dementia who may be younger, University Islander health and aged care. or indigenous, from a different of Melbourne's Kate will be speaking on remote culture or have a diagnosis related to Department of Aboriginal community care. a mental condition. Psychiatry. More information Different challenges Professor For more details about the Alzheimer’s Australia WA Chief Lautenschlager symposium or to register, visit Executive Officer Frank Schaper said will be speaking www.manyvoices2010.com.au these people with dementia tend to on the uncommon have different needs and may require causes of dementia and how to support that those currently working manage them. in the industry are still not familiar with. Pino Migliorino is a leading commentator, researcher and “This symposium will address some consultant in the area of ethnic affairs Scholarships available of these issues and will benefit and multicultural policy. managers in aged care facilities, If you are a health health professionals, administrators He has more than 30 years of ethnic professional or a support in aged care and care assistants,” Mr community staff member from a non- Schaper said. involvement and profit organisation in is currently the regional/remote areas of “We have brought together a range Chairperson of WA, you may be eligible for of experts and passionate advocates the Federation financial support to attend in dementia care who will share of Ethnic the Symposium. Lotterywest their research and experience with Communities sponored scholarships will include registration fees, participants.” Councils of travel and accommodation Australia. costs. Topics that will be covered Find out more at: include younger onset dementia, Pino will be speaking on multicultural www.manyvoices2010.com.au multicultural issues and dementia, issues and dementia.

8 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA Walking to remember Radio personality Tony McManus will be taking part in this year's Alzheimer's Australia WA Memory Walk to remember his mother who passed away from dementia this year and his father who is living with Alzheimer's.

One issue close to 6PR Radio presenter Tony McManus' heart is that dementia runs in his family.

“There is a sense of melancholy seeing the deterioration of people you love the most,” says Tony.

“Seeing them slow down as a result of their brains not functioning normally.”

Tony’s 78-year-old mother passed away from dementia this year while his 83-year-old father has Alzheimer’s disease.

Tony says with a sense of sadness, “Dad can barely remember what he did 24 hours ago, but he can recite poetry and recount events from 25 years ago in great detail”. Walking for a good cause: Radio personality Tony McManus willl be taking part in the He adds he is “dealing with the Alzheimer's Australia WA Memory Walk 2010 big changes in the parent-child relationship and the shift in responsibilities”. “The community is getting older You can also join Tony to make a and these issues will confront more difference by signing up for the 2010 “I am now taking care of dad because families,“ says Tony. Memory Walk! dad can’t look after himself anymore.” Dig deep and help Tony fight Port Hedland walk Tony believes there is still a huge for a cause close to his heart by For the first time the Memory Walk amount of work that needs to be sponsoring his walk at will also be held in Port Hedland. done in WA, Australia and globally to www.everydayhero.com.au/tony_ For more details, visit www. support people living with dementia. mac__radio_6pr memorywalkwa.com.au We need 1,000 people to walk - will you be one? visit www.memorywalkwa.com.au or call (08) 9388 2800

Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 9 Perpetual grant As a result of grants totalling $58,060 from foundations and trusts managed by Perpetual Trustees, Alzheimer’s Australia WA will develop and implement new programs for younger people living with dementia.

The grants were received from the community add to the challenges”. Harry Secomb Foundation ($44,000), the Jessica and Wallace Hore Lack of appropriate services Foundation ($10,000) and the Estate Another major challenge for of the Late Harry Leslie Howden younger people with dementia is the Bequest Trust ($4,060). lack of appropriate activity centres and residential care facilities which Alzheimer’s Australia WA Chief are more often designed for older Exective Officer, Frank Schaper, people. said the grants would enable the organisation to employ a specialist According to Frank, the new coordinator. coordinator will facilitate the development of age-appropriate Different needs services and activities for younger Frank said that the needs of younger onset clients in the community and people with dementia are often very in residental care centres. different to older people who have dementia. Building capacity Perpetual grant: Alzheimer’s Australia WA "This is just one of the ways Chief Executive Officer Frank Schaper “Often they are the main income Alzheimer's Australia WA is building receiving the grant from Perpetual Senior earner and have younger dependent capacity in the health sector and Financial Consultant Jason Stout . children” said Frank. ensuring people with dementia have access to quality dementia care in the Perpetual Trustees and to the “The financial impact is felt by community," he said. Foundations and Trusts that have the whole family and the issues of enabled us to undertake this social stigma and isolation from the “We are extremely grateful to program,” Frank said.

Join us for the Alzheimer’s Australia WA GOLF DAY Thursday 2 September Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club

Your investment: $300pp or $1,200 (team of four) Includes: • Breakfast • 18 holes of golf (4 ball ambrose) • Golf carts and Golf shirts • BBQ lunch & refresments Thanks to our major sponsor • Chance to win great prizes

For more information: visit www.alzheimers.asn.au or contact Margaret Haydon on (08) 6271 1028 or email: [email protected]

10 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA Available now from our Library

Coping with Caring Dementia with Lewy I’m Still Here By Lyn Roche Bodies By John Zeisel, Ph.D.

Edited by John O’Brien, Ian McKeith, This revised edition is a daily This book focuses on connecting David Ames & Edmond Chiu caregiver companion containing with people with Alzheimer’s 365 practical caregiving tips, through their abilities that This book discusses Dementia uplifting reflections, and a 10- don’t diminish with time, such with Lewy Bodies from diagnosis page topic-driven index. Through as understanding music, art, to management and the Coping With Caring you’ll learn to facial expressions, and touch. neurobiological changes involved. manage stress, overcome guilt and Dr. Zeisel demonstrates that Progress has been made over the frustration, avoid isolation, know people who have the disease are last decade in terms of recognising when and how to ask for help, highly creative and emotionally the disorder as a common cause maintain your loved one’s dignity, intelligent. By harnessing of cognitive impairment, its take care of yourself and much these capacities and by other clinical features, the underlying more! approaches to treatment (building neurobiology, investigative memory cues), it is possible to changes, and management. This is offer them a quality life with undoubtedly a much-needed work connection to others and to the in what is an important and rapidly world. progressing field. Art and memories Free tours for people living with dementia

People with dementia and their The tour is open to people with carers can now discover how dementia in residential or day works of art can encourage care and individuals living in conversation and evoke the community and their carers. memories through free guided It can also inlcude a practical tours run by the Art Gallery of art workshop that encourages WA. sensory stimulation, develops skills and increases confidence. Each hour long tour, which can be tailored to participant's interests, Bookings are essential. For more abilities and mobility, is facilitated information or to book, contact by a Gallery Guide who has been Lesley Goodman at the Art Gallery trained by Alzheimer's Australia on 9492 6641 or email lesley. WA. [email protected]

Alzheimer’s Australia WA Milestones 11 Activities are free unless DiaryWorkshops of activities and coursesotherwise stated 2010

Family and friends Health and aged care staff

Family members and friends Positive Dementia Care Assistive Technology in course This one-day workshop provides the Dementia Care These free workshops are for people underpinning knowledge and skills needed This workshop looks at available who know or care for a person with to interact effectively with people who equipment and technologies and explores dementia. They provide an understanding have dementia. their uses in dementia care environments. of dementia and how to achieve better communication and care strategies. Where: Arthritis Foundation Seminar Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA Room (17 Lemnos Street, Shenton Park) 9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA Time: 9.30am to 4pm When: 15 October (1.00pm to 4.30pm) 9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park When: 24 September, 25 October, (For community care staff) 22 November or 1 December Cost: $55+GST *Format one: two full days, a fortnight Cost: $75+GST (lunch included) apart (lunch included) Intellectual Disability and Time: 10am to 4pm Attendance attracts 5.5 RCNA CNE points When: 14 & 28 October as part of RCNA’s Life Long Learning Dementia This workshop provides the underpinning program (3LP). knowledge and skills needed to interact *Format two: four sessions over four days effectively with peple who have an Time: 10am to 12noon Art and Creativity intellectual disability, such as Down When: 9, 16, 23, & 30 September This workshop offers participants the Syndrome and dementia. chance to work with a variety of art ® Mind your Mind materials and learn how to establish a Where: Arthritis Foundation Seminar This free workshop covers the seven creative expression program for people Room (17 Lemnos Street, Shenton Park) lifestyle changes you can make now to with dementia. When: 1 October (9.30am to 4.00pm) reduce your risk of developing dementia Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA Cost: $75+GST (lunch included) later on in life. 9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park Attendance attracts 5.5 RCNA CNE points Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA When: 13 September (9.30am to 12.30pm) as part of RCNA’s Life Long Learning 9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park Cost: $55+GST program (3LP). When: 8 September (10.00am to 12noon) 13 October (2.00pm to 4.00pm) Successful Mobility for People 24 November (6.30pm to 8.30pm) with Dementia Many voices: dementia and This practical workshop provides aged- minority groups This two-day symposium will explore and Using Reminiscence and Life care professionals with strategies to promote and maintain mobility and address the needs of people with dementia Stories independence for a person with dementia. from minority groups such as people from This free workshop provides participants diverse cultural backgrounds, indigenous with the knowledge and skills to engage Where: Conference Room, The Niche, people and people with Down Syndrome. in reminiscing and create a life story book 11 Aberdare Road, Nedlands with a person with dementia, along with When: 14 September (9.00am to 1.00pm) Where: University Club of WA the support of their family and friends. Cost: $55+GST Hackett Drive, Crawley When: 16 & 17 September Where: Alzheimer’s Australia WA Attendance attracts 3.5 RCNA CNE points Cost: Early-bird $500 (incl GST) 9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park as part of RCNA’s Life Long Learning Standard $600 (incl GST) When: 6 October (1.30pm to 4.30pm) program (3LP). More info: (08) 9388 2800

www.manyvoices2010.com.au

For a complete list of workshops or for bookings, please call (08) 9388 2800 during office hours or visit www.alzheimers.asn.au

As Australia’s oldest and Milestones Editor Alzheimer’s Australia WA largest dementia organisation, Joel Chan, Senior Coordinator Public Affairs 9 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park WA 6008 Alzheimer’s Australia WA is [email protected] PO Box 1509, Subiaco WA 6904 at the forefront of dementia care services, with world-class Disclaimer Tel: (08) 9388 2800 research, risk reduction and Articles in this publication provide a general summary of the subject Fax: (08) 9388 2739 education and training programs matter covered. Any person with dementia should seek professional designed to meet the challenge advice about their specific case. Alzheimer’s Australia WA is not liable Dementia helpline of what has been described by for any error or omission in this publication. Permission should be Access Economics as “a national sought from the Editor before reproducing articles and/or images. 1800 100 500 dementia epidemic”. Should permission be given, the source must be acknowledged.

12 Milestones Alzheimer’s Australia WA