There are over 472,000 Australians living with dementia and almost 1.6 million Australians involved in their care. That number is expected to climb to 590,000 by 2028.
Here on the Coast, we have nearly 6,000 people living with dementia and about 20,000 people involved in their care.
And sadly, there is no cure.
Dementia affects one in 10 people aged over 65, and three in 10 aged over 85. It’s the second-leading cause of death in Australia behind heart disease, but it remains one of the most misunderstood conditions. Each day, 250 people are diagnosed with dementia, and tragically, another 36 die.
But underneath these statistics are the people. The people who live with dementia, the people who care for them, their families, and the ups and downs of their day to day lives.
You would be hard pressed to find someone whose family hasn’t been affected by dementia in some way.
My family is no exception.
I lost my dad, Grant to Younger Onset Dementia when he was just 68 years old. In my early twenties, I also lost my grandma to dementia. So, I made a promise to my mum that I would do everything I could to help people living with dementia and those who care for them.
That’s why I decided to start the Grant McBride Memory Walk and Jog back in 2018. It’s a chance for our community to come together to raise funds and awareness about dementia, so we can pave the way for a better future.
This year will be the fourth Memory Walk and Jog, and just like last year, we’ll be hosting the event online because of the pandemic.
The event will kick off on 25 September, during Dementia Action Week and I’m asking you to join me in supporting people living with dementia, their families, and their carers by taking part.
How to go virtual
Since we can’t meet in person this year, I’m asking you to sign up and complete the challenge online.
You can walk, jog, ride a bike in your local area, or do any exercise you like so long as you are following the current health restrictions.
You could also do a virtual workout at home, clean the house, or do some gardening. Anything you can do to stay active.
This is a cause that’s very close to my heart and after spending the last few months in lockdown, I know it’s more important than ever for our community to come together and support each other.
Help us raise awareness, reduce stigma and raise vital funds to fight dementia by signing up HERE
Dementia, it touches us all.
Emma McBride is Federal Member for Dobell.
