Memory Walk to Parliament takes to the streets
The Memory Walk to Parliament took to the streets of Wellington today.
The walk ended at the steps of Parliament, where MP and convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia group Michael Wood was presented with the findings of the world’s largest survey on attitudes to dementia and stigma.
Michael shared his personal experiences of having loved ones with dementia:
“This issue is an important one for Government and for the services that we provide … but it’s also a deeply personal one … I lost my grandfather last year after a long journey with Alzheimers and my family continues to support my grandmother in her journey [with the disease].”
“There is a lack, sometimes, of focus on the whole person and their rights to contribute and participate in our society…there is much work to do.”
Champion for Dementia Dame Kerry Prendergast and Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero also spoke at the event, one of many Memory Walks happening across the country during World Alzheimers Month.
The World Alzheimer Report, which published the survey findings, indicates that while there is much fear of developing dementia globally, the true understanding of the disease is low. Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are the fifth leading cause of death globally.
Of the 1,000 New Zealanders who responded to the survey, a quarter said they would make an effort to keep their dementia secret if they were living with the condition.
Regrettably, the findings around stigma and dementia are not surprising. Our recent research shows Kiwis living with dementia experience a significant amount of social isolation, stigma and discrimination.
People with dementia often feel they have no control over decisions that affect them, and report being marginalised as if their lives are over and of no consequence the moment the diagnosis is given.
It is time people with dementia were treated with respect, supported to make the decisions that are important to them, and get the help they need. This message is at the heart of our Dementia Declaration, which was launched earlier this year.
The World Alzheimer Report survey also found that only a third of care partners in New Zealand feel that there are adequate community services for people living with dementia.
We hope the National Dementia Plan we are drafting with others in the dementia community, will be a catalyst for change.
This is the first dementia plan developed for New Zealand. At this stage, the plan has a three year timeline and it focusses on the most urgent actions needed for people living with dementia.
Dementia is going to be one of the 21st century’s greatest health challenges. There is no treatment or cure and the current services here in New Zealand are already struggling. The time for change, truly, is now.
