Positively Living With Dementia

Many people assume that Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia only affect older people. In fact, about one person in every 1000 below the age of 65 develops dementia. While rare, it can affect people in their forties and fifties. Any dementia beginning before the age of 65 is known as younger onset dementia.

Adelaide-based Kate Swaffer was diagnosed with younger onset dementia in 2008 when she was 49. Since her diagnosis, she has shared her personal story about living with the disease through many public presentations around the world, including at the recent Alzheimer's Disease International London 2012 conference.

Kate is a strong advocate for people with dementia and has worked on numerous projects that aim to break down the barriers and stigma of the disease. Her inspiring personal perspective is reinforced by her work as a nurse in aged and dementia care while in her twenties, and provides a compelling influence in her advocacy role on national initiatives in Australia that aim to improve aged and dementia care.

Post-diagnosis, Kate obtained a BA in writing and creative communication in 2008, a BPsych in 2009 and is still studying towards a BA Honours.

In this public lecture, Kate will provide personal insights into positively living with dementia. Though her life has changed in ways that are challenging to understand and live with, Kate has developed a positive approach to illness, disability, dementia and death. Through this approach, her life continues to be interesting, busy and very fulfilling.