Dementia affects several millions of people across the world. There are various types of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type. This disease that is yet to have a cure affects several millions of families in several different ways.

Dementia is a global crisis, perhaps we can call it the dementia pandemic! Dementia is everyone's problem and as a result, we must take the responsibility to look after ourselves. One of the easiest ways to support people living with dementia and their caregivers is to be aware of this disease and by so doing we probably can become a little bit more compassionate and dementia-friendly.

Most people living with dementia receive care from their immediate family members or friends and neighbours. This makes informal caregivers become isolated. They become what we call the invisible patients. Most people who provide informal dementia care are female caregivers mainly spouses, female adult children, family members, friends, and neighbours.

Dementia caregivers suffer equally as they are mostly available to provide the required care for their family members who are living with dementia. Informal caregivers suffer from several conditions such as physical and psychological challenges,

loss of job/livelihoods = financial problems, and loss of social life such as their hobbies. Among other challenges, informal caregivers suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression.

How dementia-friendly are you and how dementia-friendly are your localities?

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