Internationally respected dementia researcher Professor John Keady is in Wollongong this week as part of a tour, speaking about the importance of giving people with dementia a voice.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NSW-ACT Dementia Training Study Centre director Richard Fleming said Prof Keady's visit publicised the need to involve the person with dementia, and their carers, "to the fullest extent possible in the decisions made about their care".
"Much is said and reported about the 'dementia epidemic', with the number of people with dementia expected to reach almost 1 million by 2050, and the strain this will place on Australia's health care resources," Prof Fleming said.
"With this comes the danger that people with dementia will become even more stigmatised than they have been in the past, as society grapples with the economic and social issues involved in providing the care that will be needed."
UK-based Prof Keady believes the patient should be involved in decisions about their care.
"Professor Keady extends this view into the area of research, championing the position of the individual with dementia as a collaborator in research, not a subject of research."
The professor's University of Wollongong talk is at the Graduate School of Medicine tonight. Register at: https://register.eventarc.com/event/view/11693/tickets/nswact-dtsc-december-guest-lecture or phone 4221 5927.