Someone’s finally highlighting what we’ve known all along:
Dementia hides in the shadow of other diseases.
The public doesn’t know what dementia is about, what it’s like for patients and what it’s like for caregivers. So they don’t know how to help, and they’re too afraid to ask.
And nobody knows how much this lack of awareness has also cost us in terms of research to find the cause and cure.
Susan Greenfield, Oxford University neuroscientist. Photo: Ben Rushton
The world needs more famous people to speak out about their dementia
There’s an “inexplicable and disturbing disparity” between the amount of money spent on research on dementia compared with other conditions such as cancer and heart disease, says Oxford neuroscientist.
We need more people (and yes, more celebrities) speaking out about dementia.
Especially now with the Baby Boomers reaching retirement age, dementia is set to skyrocket in the next little while.
But even if celebrities don’t spotlight dementia for us, we can still educate ourselves.
The best thing anyone can do is think: Do I know anyone who’s facing this disease?
If yes, go to that person, or their caregiver, tell them you want to be a listening ear for them, offer to help them, or get involved in whatever way works for you.
Here are some tips to get started: Ways to help.
