At 45, Cam Jack became one of the youngest patients at his local hospital to be diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive neurological disorder that affects personality, behavior, and language. The diagnosis, delivered two years ago, profoundly impacted his family in Macquarie Hills near Newcastle, particularly his son Lincoln, who at 13 struggled with the fear of “losing a bit of Dad” each night as he tried to sleep.

Cam’s wife, Lisa Jack, recalled the emotional toll the diagnosis took on their family but also emphasized the difficult conversations it prompted. She described their candid discussions about the condition as both painful and meaningful, helping them confront the challenges ahead while fostering a deeper connection.

The family’s experience has become part of a broader effort to change how dementia is perceived in Australia. As part of a national campaign launched last year to shift attitudes around the disease, the Jacks’ story highlights the need to view dementia not just as an inevitable consequence of aging but as a serious health condition that can be proactively addressed.

Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia, and experts warn that increasing numbers of cases demand urgent national attention and funding. Since the campaign’s inception, the federal government has allocated nearly $230 million to support specialist dementia care programs across the country and expand initiatives like Professor Henry Brodaty’s Maintain Your Brain program, aimed at dementia prevention.

Additionally, Australians turning 50 have begun receiving government letters outlining practical steps to preserve brain health and reduce dementia risk, reflecting a shift from awareness to active prevention.

A recent survey indicated that nearly half of Australians know someone with dementia, and 20% have a family member living with the condition. The vast majority believe dementia should be discussed as openly as cancer or heart disease, with strong public support for increased research into its causes and prevention.

Professor Brodaty emphasized the importance of early action, stating that dementia can affect anyone and that preventative measures should begin well before old age. His call for a comprehensive, national approach to brain health echoes the views of other leading figures, including Professor Matthew Kiernan, CEO of Neuroscience Research Australia, who highlighted the need to normalize conversations about dementia.

“Dementia is not just an inevitable part of aging,” Kiernan said. “The message is starting to take hold that we can proactively try to prevent it, and public dialogue is essential for progress.”

Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia, echoed this view, noting the power of open discussion to drive social change. She drew parallels to successful national health campaigns around skin cancer, heart health, and mental health, expressing hope that dementia will receive similar attention.

Despite the challenges ahead, the Jack family remains committed to cherishing their time together and using their experience to support others facing dementia. Ms. Jack expressed hope that sharing their story will offer guidance and comfort to families navigating similar journeys, reinforcing the campaign’s goal of fostering understanding and action against dementia nationwide.