This morning I watched part of the Channel 9 Weekend Today program, tucked up between my two beautiful Russian Blue cats for a later than usual start to the day. They reported on Pink Ribbon day, and that currently there are 38 new cases per day of breast cancer are being reported in Australia. 20 years ago, 30% of people died from this terrible disease, and now 15% of people diagnosed with it die from it. This is wonderful news, and I support the efforts being made in this country. Breast cancer research has been in the fore front of our government, celebrities and research fund providers due to its profile, and it is very exciting to hear this morning it is expected no-one will die from breast cancer in 20 years due to the amazing progress in research and funding for research, health care and support services.

In contrast, there are 214 new cases per day of dementia being diagnosed in Australia, and 100% of people diagnosed die from this hideous disease. And, the government intends to reduce funding for aged care and dementia in the next budget. Alzheimer’s Australia had its inaugural Fight Dementia rally recently, people are starting to speak out, one celebrity is getting involved… the fabulous woman we all know in this country called Ita Buttrose. Where are the others? Why is the funding so hard to find for  research into this disease? Why is the fact that it is an epidemic not at the forefront of the news reports? Why was Dementia Awareness Week, and the rally not a major feature in the news? These are just some of the questions I have. I met with the Shadow Health Minister in SA recently, who did not even know dementia is a terminal illness! It was not possible to get real answers to what that government would do if it was in power. The current government is not doing anything either. How can we possibly expect to receive appropriate care in the future if neither of the major parties have suitable plans for it?

At times, I feel dazed and alarmed about our future, and our children’s future when  living in the recently reported richest western country in the world, it is not possible to receive proper health care. If you feel the same, join me in speaking out. Check out the research and statistics for yourself. Write to your local politicians, send letters to the editor of your favourite newspaper, join up to Twitter (still trying to work out how to use this??) or other social networks and start speaking out too. Before it is too late.