Shepparton to hold dementia awareness event

By Contributed

Sep 21, 2023

Learning to cope: Cobram residents who want to learn more about dementia can do so at a learning session in Shepparton in October. Photo by Paul Miller

Cobram residents who want to learn more about dementia can attend a dementia awareness session to be held on Wednesday, October 11.

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The event, part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, will be run by Murray Primary Health Network and delivered by Dementia Australia.

The community event is suitable for people living with dementia, carers, family members and people who are concerned they or someone they know may have dementia.

Event attendees will learn about types of dementia, signs and symptoms, the experience of living with dementia, available services and where to access support.

There are currently an estimated 400,000 people living with dementia in Australia, and it is the second leading cause of death.

Murray PHN chief executive officer Matt Jones said while it was a devastating disease, there were ways to try and reduce the risk of getting dementia.

“Even though we can’t change getting older, our genetics or family history, research suggests that changing certain health and lifestyle habits may make a significant difference to reducing or delaying the risk of developing dementia,” Mr Jones said.

“We hope that everyone who attends this event takes away some information about dementia and the supports available to them.”

For those wishing to take part in the Victorian Seniors Festival closer to home, Cobram will host a number of events, including a luncheon and author Margaret Hickey’s talk at the Cobram library.

Throughout the festival, Victorian senior card holders can access free travel on public transport services from Sunday, October 1, to Sunday, October 8, including on V/Line.

Bookings for the dementia learning session are essential. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://UD11Oct23- Shepparton.eventbrite.com.au or call 0408 301 800.