A new study is looking for people aged 40 years or older in the ACT to take part in a focus group to increase community dementia awareness.

In Australia more than 413,000 people live with dementia. By 2025 the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to 536,164 with the number of new cases increasing by 650 people per day by 2056.

Dr Sarang Kim from the ANU Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing said the study was open to everyone in the community aged over 40 years.

“We are looking for people to take part in focus groups to understand what the general public would like to learn from people with dementia, and what people with dementia and their carers would like the general public to know about them and living with dementia,” Dr Kim said.

The DESeRvE project will result in an online program to enhance people’s awareness and knowledge of dementia, and to address misbeliefs people might have about dementia.

An online program will be designed for the general public. It will also be available to educate residents and employees at workplaces and retirement villages about dementia.

“We want to help dispel myths and help people understand the significant impact dementia has on the community,” Dr Kim said.

Participants need to be aged 40 years and older, living in the ACT or surrounds, able to spare one hour to participate in a focus group and proficient in English.

Contact 02 6125 5621 or email deserve@anu.edu.au for more details.