Gavin Pearce (Braddon, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Health, Aged Care and Indigenous Health Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to thank Leanne and David for calling in and updating me on the important work that Dementia Australia is doing. Dementia is our nation's second-leading cause of death and the leading cause of death for women. There are nearly half a million Australians living with dementia, and 1.6 million are involved in their care. Without medical breakthroughs this number is expected to double in the next 30 years. There would be very few of us that haven't watched or are watching a loved one slip away from a dementia-related disease, and critical to helping those living with dementia lead their best life is eliminating dementia discrimination, early diagnosis, community awareness and support. A little support for people living with dementia can make a big difference. Local communities play an important role to that end. Maybe we should all consider becoming a dementia friend, someone who simply increases acceptance and awareness of dementia through our everyday actions, making those with dementia feel included, feel safe and feel connected in our communities, keeping a caring eye on them. There is a free program available through Dementia Australia to get you started. Simply visit dementiafriendly.org.au and become a dementia friend today.