People who fear they have Alzheimer's disease are increasingly seeking help earlier in the course of the illness, Alzheimer's Society Otago manager Julie Butler says.
September is awareness month for the brain disease.
More Otago people were presenting with fears they were developing dementia, which was because of the ageing population and increased awareness, Mrs Butler said. The earlier people came forward the better, she said.
There was a corresponding increase in the ''worried well'' seeking help, which could be countered through increased education.
The organisation had branches in Oamaru, Alexandra and Dunedin. A particular increase had been witnessed in Central Otago cases.
Mrs Butler said the Otago branch was coping financially, but was not in a position to launch new services.
''If we had a lot more resources, we would be able to do a huge awareness campaign, to get out there in the community advising people about brain health; that we're here, that we can help.''
Education and promotion campaigns had to be backed by staff resources to cope with the increased presentations required, she said.
Today, TV personality Colin Mathura-Jeffree was named by Alzheimer's NZ as its first national champion for dementia.
Mrs Butler hoped Mathura-Jeffree's advocacy would reduce the stigma around the disease. The Alzheimer's Society Otago is holding its street appeal on Friday next week.
