The Logan Dementia Alliance recently held its annual tree planting ceremony to remember those living with dementia, those who have died, and their friends and family.
The event commemorated World Dementia Day, which aims to raise awareness, make communities dementia friendly, and remove the stigma and discrimination of people living with dementia – which in Logan is around 2000 people.
A recent study found 32 per cent of Australians “feared” those living with dementia, an increase from 23 per cent a decade ago.
CEO of Dementia Australia, Maree McCabe, said the findings were “devastating”.
“This fear leads to stigma and discrimination which can have a real and distressing impact on people living with dementia, their families and carers,” Ms McCabe said.
“People may avoid seeking critical medical and social support and become increasingly socially isolated.
“There is also research, commissioned by Dementia Australia, showing that 80 per cent of those with a loved one living with dementia felt people in shops, cafes and restaurants treated people with dementia differently.”
The Logan Dementia Choir entertained attendees at the tree planting ceremony.
“Logan Dementia Choir sang several songs finishing with “Reach Out and Touch” – it was very moving and emotional,” group member Norma Hambling said.
“Our sincere thanks to Logan council and councillor Jon Raven for their support and generosity.”
