A LEETON resident whose father has dementia was shocked to hear an alarming rate of people were being diagnosed with the illness.
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New figures from Alzheimer’s Australia show there are about 3650 people living with dementia in the Murray and Cootamundra electorates.
Leeton is located in the Murray electorate and the number of sufferers in the area are expected to soar to 4450 people by 2025 and 7050 by 2056.
Ashley Armstrong’s father, Mark, is aged in his mid-50s and has frontotemporal dementia.
Miss Armstrong said the new figures shouldn’t be dismissed and residents should take action if they notice a family member or friend displaying symptoms or acting differently.
“Yes, I was very alarmed (at the numbers),” she said.
“Being diagnosed with dementia is a serious issue and the fact it can happen to anyone at any age is something that needs to be addressed so treatment and early diagnosis is available.” Life for Miss Armstrong and her family has changed drastically since her father’s diagnosis.
Last year she and her twin brother Aidan held a street stall to raise awareness of dementia in the community. However, Miss Armstrong said there were still many that were not aware of the illness and how horrible it can be.
“No I don't think people are aware,” she said. “My family and I were definitely not aware that it could happen to someone so suddenly.”
With the predicted increase in the number of people expected to be diagnosed with dementia in the coming years, Miss Armstrong said something needed to be done.
“I would like to see bigger facilities available and more equipment that is easily accessible to aged care facilities,” she said. I would also like to see facilities available for the younger patients that are diagnosed with dementia.
“There is nothing more terrible than walking into an aged care facility that is full with elderly people when your father is only 57 years-old.”
Having experienced first-hand what it is like to have a family member be diagnosed with dementia has been hard for Miss Armstrong and her family.
“It is very difficult, especially if the patient does not walk, talk, feed themselves, dress themselves or able to toilet themselves,” Miss Armstrong said. Going through such an experience has meant Miss Armstrong and her family had to reach out for help.
”Carers and families that are going through this difficult time – you are not alone,” Miss Armstrong said. “There are support groups and online blogs to be able to speak with others and share your experiences and tips on how to cope.”