Filipino-Australians are urged to take notice of symptoms of dementia and not to confuse memory problems, apathy, depression, hallucinations or changes in personality as signs of ageing. This is a serious call from Philippine doctors and guest speakers from Alzheimer’s Australia during the forum titled “Dementia and Elder Abuse” held last 22 September 2014 at the Cuba Lounge Park Hyatt in Melbourne. The Forum was organised by the Australian Filipino Community Services (AFCS).
During the forum, the speakers noted the importance for individuals or family members to seek help from family doctors to assess symptoms of dementia and, if needed, a referral to a specialist is made and proper management is planned. Since dementia has no cure yet, early diagnosis is important as it will not only address access to medications but also tackle the early stage of dementia, such as depression or irritability. It will also help a dementia patient to remember taking medications for other illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In Australia, there are more than 332,000 Australians living with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to be almost 900,000 by 2050 according to Alzheimer’s Australia.
Speakers during the forum were: Dr Simeon Marasigan, Immediate Past President of the Dementia Society of the Philippines (DSP) who talked on “Filipinos’ Perceptions of Dementia and Barriers to Early Intervention”; Dr Venus Arain, President of DSP, who talked on “Information to Families: What is really important for families to know and understand about dementia?”; Fiona York, Seniors Project Officer of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, who talked on “Promoting respect and dignity, preventing seniors abuse project with Filipinos” and Mila Cichello, Convenor of the Filipino Advisory Council of Elders, who talked on “Evidence-based Research on Health of older Filipinos. She also shared her personal story as a carer of a family member with dementia.
In his opening address, Felix Pintado, Philippine Honorary Consul of Victoria, lauded AFCS and those involved in organising the forum for addressing dementia as an important part of Filipino ageing process.
Main guest speaker Maree McCabe, Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria, said that the Australian government is taking seriously its role in looking after people with dementia. Support system is in place from diagnosis, assessment for support and services and even support at home for people suffering from dementia including their family members up to organising guardianship and powers of attorney when necessary.
Jenny Phillipp, Manager of AAV, presented the government’s Memory Lane Café and support services.
Krz Aguilar, AFCS Music Therapist, and Judith Capsis, played the Anklung bamboo piano instruments. Aguilar also led participants of the forum to experience using colourful handbells to produce melody chimes. She further explained to the guests the benefits of using music as a good therapy for Filipino elderlies.
Gigi Kalong, former Philippine Honorary Consul General, read the greetings from the Philippine government in Australia. Ted Apostol of St Luke’s Medical Centre in Traralgon, served as facilitator.
Norminda Forteza, Chaplain and Manager of the Home and Community Care, led the opening prayer, while Cynthia Norton, Chairperson of AFCS, delivered the welcome address.
Maina Walkley, Member of the Filipino Advisory Council of Elders, served as master of ceremonies.
For more information about dementia, please visit www.fightdementia.org.au. The national dementia helpline is 1800-100-500. It also provides access to all Alzheimer’s Australia Vic services such as counselling, telephone or face-to-face assistance, Younger onset services, Living with Memory Loss Programs, Memory Lane Cafes, Family Carer Education sessions and help sheets about dementia and services.
