Alzheimers NZ launches website to show true face of dementia

Alzheimers New Zealand launches website to show the true faces of dementia

It’s frustrating for all those who just cannot see
why I dither and muddle, and can’t get myself free
to be lucid and sharp, and efficient when pressed,
and to cope like I used to when put to the test.

If they think that I just don’t try hard enough now,
and don’t WANT to try, or just don’t care how,
they should stand at my back and THEN try to see,
how much more frustrating it all seems for ME.

The above poem was written by a woman with Alzheimer’s disease. It expresses the frustration that people with dementia can feel when others cannot understand the difficulties they experience with everyday living.

Dementia is the fourth leading cause of death in New Zealand. Currently over 44,000 people are living with dementia in New Zealand; by 2026 this number will double, and continue to double every 20 years. However; it is not these sobering statistics that first come to mind when talking about dementia, but the devastating effects the disease can have on an individual, their family and carers.

This is why Alzheimers New Zealand has launched a website for World Alzheimer’s Day 21 September, the annual global campaign to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, to show the ‘true’ faces of dementia. The website tells personal stories and poems of experience with the disease written by people who have all been affected by dementia.

Alzheimers New Zealand national communications advisor, Kimberley Ebbett says: “We hope the website will act as tribute to the ‘true’ faces of dementia and will go some way towards increasing public awareness of the challenges someone with dementia may face.

“The website also is a forum to share positive experiences and ways of coping with what can sometimes be a cruel and debilitating disease.”

To visit the website or to submit your story, please go to: http://facesofdementia.alzheimers.org.nz

About dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Dementia occurs as a result of physical changes in the brain which affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. In New Zealand, over 43,000 people have dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia (50-70%).

By 2026, 74,821 people will have dementia

By 2050, 146,699 people will have dementia.

These numbers are growing dramatically due to an aging population combined with the fact people are living longer. Diagnosis is also being made at an increasingly younger age, sometimes in people as young as 50. There is no cure.

ENDS

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