Promoting dementia awareness

A Daleys Point resident is promoting dementia awareness through Central Coast Health following her diagnosis with the disease.

Retired psychologist Ms Bobby Redman of Daleys Point is helping geriatrician Dr Tomiko Barrett.

Dr Barrett said dementia affected everyone in different ways.

She said that the Health District wanted to build greater understanding of dementia, including how to recognise and manage the condition, and of local support options.

Ms Redman said that, when she started occasionally mixing up her words around four years ago, she put it down to simply being a bit tired and overworked.

At age 65, Ms Redman thought she was "burnt out" and decided it was time to retire from her job as a psychologist.

But when she visited old friends in England, they noticed more significant personality changes that made her worry.

Despite initial scans and tests being clear, Ms Redman asked for a referral to see a neurologist.

Upon investigation, the neurologist diagnosed her in the early stages of fronto-temporal dementia.

SOURCE:

Media release, 24 Sep 2018

Lauren Nicholls, Central Coast Local Health District