Almost 600,000 Australians are projected to be living with dementia by 2030 as Australia’s population ages, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said recently. Mr Butler has launched awareness-raising campaign materials – ‘Know the Signs’, which will provide information to health professionals and the general public to raise awareness about the early signs of dementia and the importance of early treatment and management.

“By actively raising awareness, we can encourage people to engage in risk reduction measures, as well as better support people currently living with dementia,” Mr Butler said.

“There is a significant degree of stigma and fear around dementia which may cause many people to ignore legitimate concerns they have about their brain and cognitive function.

“This campaign will dispel some of the myths surrounding dementia and provide people with information to take action in response to any changes that may occur and impact upon their daily lives.”

The Minister also announced eight dementia research projects to be managed through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), as well as opening Round Four of the Dementia Community Support Grants Program. Applications close at 2pm, Tuesday 10 February 2011.