PRONIA hosted its dementia awareness event last Monday at the Oakleigh Senior Citizens Centre, coinciding with the start of Dementia Action Week, running from September 16–22.
Themed “Dementia Prevention, Research, and Early Diagnosis,” the event attracted a large audience eager to learn about dementia’s growing impact on Australian and Greek Australian families.
Dementia has become a modern epidemic, with over 421,000 Australians expected to be living with the condition by 2024.
Additionally, more than 1.6 million people will be caring for those affected. The condition, which now surpasses coronary heart disease as the leading health issue for Australians aged 65 and older, poses significant emotional and practical challenges for both patients and caregivers.
Dr Mathew Staios, a Clinical Neuropsychologist from Monash University and the event’s keynote speaker, emphasised the importance of early diagnosis.
“Early detection helps manage symptoms more effectively,” he stated, highlighting the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, strong social connections, and sufficient sleep in reducing Alzheimer’s disease risk.
This event also marked the first official appearance of PRONIA’s new CEO, Sylvia Hadjiantoniou. In her address, Hadjiantoniou reaffirmed PRONIA’s commitment to supporting the community, saying, “PRONIA stands by you, offering the care and support that our community needs.”
In addition to the educational presentations, attendees enjoyed live entertainment from local musician Anthea Sidiropoulos, whose lively performance of popular Greek songs encouraged the audience to sing and dance, concluding the event on a joyful note.
The event was part of PRONIA’s “Stronger Together” program, funded by the Australian Government, which provides crucial support to individuals in the early stages of dementia and their caregivers. The program offers free visits to Day Centres in four Melbourne suburbs and Hobart, Tasmania, as well as personalised in-person and phone consultations.
For more information, contact Lucy Louka at (03) 9388 9998 or email dementia@pronia.com.au.
