Dementia cases in Kiama will double over the next 30 years without lifestyle and treatment changes.

Dementia Australia’s snapshot of predicted increases in cases, broken down by local government areas, found the number of people in Kiama diagnosed with the disease would almost double from 596 last year to 1065 in 2054.

Nationally more than 800,000 people will be diagnosed with dementia over the next three decades, up from 433,300 in 2024, unless funding for research and education is increased.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan says the disease is one of the biggest public health challenges facing the nation and is calling for increased investment in dementia research and a national conversation on brain health.

“Many Australians mistakenly believe dementia is a normal part of ageing,” says Prof Buchanan. “It isn’t, dementia involves a marked decline in thinking, memory and behaviour in mood that gets worse over time.”

Kiama’s Michael Preston knows only too well the impact dementia can have on communities, families and individuals.

The aged care worker with almost 15 years of experience, and the first male in Australia to get a degree in dementia and neuroscience, says there are more than 200 forms of

the disease, with Alzheimer's the most well-known.

“There is even a form of dementia related to COVID-19 where even mild cases may be associated with cognitive deficits months after recovery,” says Mr Preston.

Despite the disease’s many variations, there is a common link across all types of dementia; a lack of funding and understanding.  

“For those living with dementia, their reality is not necessarily the same as ours,” he says. “If a person with dementia thinks they are 17 and going to meet their boyfriend you have to go along with that. They just need someone to listen and maintain respect, dignity and patience.” 

Mr Preston is hopeful a cure will be found, and says while there is no way to prevent dementia, lifestyle choices like reducing alcohol, mental and physical activity, good sleep habits and staying social can help.

“There are risk factors you can’t control, like ageing, genetics and family history,” he says. “But you can train your brain with exercise in the same way you exercise your heart.”

In 2014 Kiama Council, the University of Wollongong and Dementia Australia set up the Dementia Inclusive Kiama project, a program designed to offer community support to those living with dementia and their families. 

The groundbreaking project was one of the reason’s Mr Preston and his partner, who also works in aged care, decided to move to the area. A year after arriving in the seaside town, Mr Preston was appointed as the Kiama Dementia Friendly Project Officer, where he oversaw the annual NSW Seniors Festival program until 2022, when COVID-19 changed the face of the aged care industry.  

Despite the challenges he found ways to keep networks connected and provide support.

“During the pandemic, I co-ordinated dementia support Zoom meetings locally, nationally, and globally,” says Mr Preston. “Giving a voice to people living with dementia, as well as their carers, is not only empowering but increases understanding of the disease.” 

The passionate advocate does this through sharing the stories of seniors, including those impacted by dementia, in HelloCare magazine https://hellocare.com.au/

For more information about dementia including risk reduction and supporting loved ones visit www.dementia.org.au