Dementia collection donated to library

Umina Beach Library has been given a collection of books on dementia.

The books were presented by Alzheimers Australia using a Community Development Support Expenditure scheme grant.

The collection ranged from children's storybooks through to in-depth medical-style textbooks, and also included videos, help sheets and pamphlets.

The books were selected to increase community understanding of dementia and the people who are afflicted with it.

Cr Vicki Scott, who represented Gosford Council at a presentation on Wednesday, September 22, said that people needed to learn more about dementia which affected not only the sufferer but also those around them.

She said dementia had been defined as a decline in memory and thinking due to brain disease.

It resulted in a significant impairment of personal, social or occupational function, and could impair many other functions.

"We need to learn more about this disease and how to obtain help, support and early diagnosis," she said.

Cr Scott said the wide ranging nature and style of the materials should prove valuable for people with all levels of interest in this subject.

"We are extremely honoured that Umina Beach Library has been selected as the recipient of such a fine collection of works," Cr Scott said.

The funding for the collection was provided as part of the Community Development Support Expenditure scheme with poker machine tax from the Everglades Country Club.

Speech notes, September 22 Cr Vicki Scott