There are more than 353,000 Australians with dementia and an estimated 1.2 million people involved in the care of someone with dementia. In the Barwon, Bathurst, Orange and Upper Hunter electorates there are an estimated 5050 people living with dementia.  That figure is projected to increase to about 10,200 by 2050.

A survey just released by Alzheimer’s Australia has found that people with dementia are almost twice as likely to have high rates of loneliness, and people with dementia and carers are significantly more lonely than the general population.

We hear repeatedly that when someone is diagnosed with dementia, friendships and some family relationships suddenly disappear because people simply don’t know how to interact with their friend or loved one with dementia. 

Treating people with the same respect, kindness, inclusiveness and thoughtfulness you always have is what makes a difference to them.  They are still the same person they were before the diagnosis. They just may need a little bit more time, understanding and support.

I encourage your readers to find out more by going towww.fightdementia.org.au.

John Watkins AM, CEO, Alzheimer's Australia NSW

In these hard times I can not understand people with dogs letting them roam at night all in the day.

People like Gloria (Mudgee Guardian, September 23)  are working hard to try and do things right and someone's dogs attacking stock just undermines every thing small farmers are working for.

It’s not just Gloria either its been a problem around Gulgong for years and trying to get through to dog owners is frustrating.  I would also like to know when and what the Council is doing about the dogs. 

Debi Kerr