Dementia Australia has welcomed television actress and Home and Away star Jessica Redmayne as its newest Ambassador.
Jessica was inspired to take on the ambassadorship after accessing support from the organisation when her mother Christine was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2014.
Tina Redmayne, 70, was described as the “life of the party” and Jessica’s “biggest supporter” before experiencing cognitive decline in her mid-fifties in the form of buying the wrong groceries and forgetting how to use a knife and fork.
“I describe dementia to people as: It’s like a toddler going through milestones but going through them backwards,” Jessica told The Daily Telegraph.
Eventually, Tina began forgetting who her daughter and husband were and moved into care, which was difficult for them to deal with.
“When she was in that in-between of knowing what was happening to her, that was the hardest part,” the 31-year-old explained.
Jessica said she hopes sharing her story will inspire people to better understand dementia, to take small steps to be more supportive of people in their community and to show others impacted by dementia that they are not alone.
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maree McCabe said she is delighted to welcome Ms Redmayne as a Dementia Australia Ambassador during Dementia Action Week.
“I warmly welcome Jessica’s appointment as a Dementia Australia Ambassador and acknowledge her commitment to making a difference to the lives of people of all ages living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers,” she said.
“All of our extraordinary Patrons and Ambassadors are motivated by the impact dementia has had on their own lives and volunteer their time to generously support others. They are truly an inspiration.”
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for more information.
