Living well with younger onset dementia
When some of us think about dementia, it often conjures images of older people. But did you know that there are more than 24,000 Australians under the age of 65 - and some as young as 30 - that have been diagnosed with younger onset dementia (YOD)?
The Brotherhood of St Laurence offers support and services for people living with dementia and their carers, as well as those living with younger onset dementia. The Banksia YOD group meets once a week in Frankston. This is a unique group in that it has been co-designed with its members, providing opportunities for each individual to contribute to community and maintain a life that is meaningful.
This year, the YOD group designed and created a sensory garden to be enjoyed by all who visit the centre. They are now co-producing a DVD with a local secondary college that offers an insider perspective about their lived experiences and impact of dementia.
Younger onset dementia was recently featured on the ABC television program Australian Story, sharing the story of Christine Bryden who was diagnosed with dementia in her mid-40s , almost 20 years ago. Her story inspired Ray, a member of the Banksia group, to share this episode with the other members. Everyone was so moved that an email was sent to Christine, thanking her for the inspiration and hope her story provided. Christine, now an advocate who is living well with dementia, joined them for morning tea on a recent trip to Melbourne with her husband Paul.
The morning at Frankston was spent sharing ideas and experiences. Christine spoke about how she has not let dementia stop her. While she admitted that it was difficult at first not knowing how fast she would be affected, she said she was determined to continue to live well and shared her wisdom with the group.
Her advice? To keep active, socialise and to remain connected to other people by attending groups such as the Brotherhood's Banksia group. She also encouraged everyone to become advocates for people living with dementia.
David is one of the original members of the YOD group and says he has not missed a single group session. 'Nothing stops me from coming to the group,' he says. 'It keeps me alive mentally.'
Read more on the Brotherhood’s dementia care programs .
To contact the Brotherhood's Younger Onset Dementia group, please phone 1300 147 147 or email bacci@bsl.org.au