Dementia Australia partners with international advocacy group

Dementia Australia has become the first national dementia association to partner with Dementia Alliance International.

Dementia Alliance International is the peak global advocacy organisation for people with a medically confirmed dementia diagnosis, with members across 48 countries.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe says a Memorandum of Understanding signed on November 29 recognises the common purpose of both organisations to promote awareness and understanding of dementia and fight for the autonomy, independence and human rights of people living with the condition.

“We share a commitment and vision for a world where people living with dementia are valued, included and receive the care and support they choose,” Ms McCabe said in a statement.

Raising awareness

Dementia Alliance International chair, CEO and co-founder, Kate Swaffer said the organisations would work together to raise awareness and understanding of dementia across the aged care, disability and health care sectors.

She said the two bodies would liaise on global dementia issues to ensure their policies and programs were aligned to the WHO Global Dementia Action Plan.

“As the global voice of dementia, Dementia Alliance International provides a platform for the many people living with dementia who are capable of representing themselves, or speaking up for those who are no longer able to.

“Dementia Australia is the first national dementia association to partner with us, and DAI is very proud to be more formally working with them.”

An estimated 50 million people around the world are living with dementia, with the number expected to hit 131.5 million by 2050.