Hartsuyker Helps Dementia Campaign

September 15, 2011

The Nationals’ Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, has joined more than 1,500 Australians to become a Dementia Champion to help restore dementia as a health priority.

Mr Hartsuyker said that dementia was already the third leading cause of death of Australians and that appropriate funding was urgently needed to help the increasing numbers of Australians with dementia, their families and carers.

“There are 269,000 Australians living with dementia and that number is set to increase by almost 50 per cent over the next 10 years,” Mr Hartsuyker said.  “In the Cowper electorate we are going to be among those hardest hit in NSW with the number of people with dementia set to soar from an estimated 2,200 now to more than 9,000 people by 2050.  Out of the 49 electorates in NSW, by 2050 we will be ranked number 4 in terms of the numbers of people living with dementia in 2050.

“These figures are alarming and I am determined to do what I can to help those people living with dementia, their families and carers to make sure they have access to the appropriate medical and support services they need.  I encourage everyone to join me in becoming a Dementia Champion and help support people living with dementia, their families and carers.”

To sign up to become a Dementia Champion, go to www.fightdementia.org.au to help restore dementia as a National Health Priority. The campaign is being run by Alzheimer’s Australia NSW which provides advocacy, support services, education and information.

Anyone worried about their memory or wanting more information about dementia and the support and services available can call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.