Dementia is not a topic widely discussed among Pacific communities. But a few of our Pasifika men, living with Young Onset Dementia, are hoping to change that by sharing their story and raising awareness.
George Sio is a civil engineer and Tevita Havea is a lawyer.
While both have excelled in very different fields, they both have one thing in common, they are living with a form of Early Onset Dementia.
The men, alongside Samoan journalist and publisher Innes Logan, who was also diagnosed with early onset dementia, are taking part in the new series of a television show called, The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes.
It follows the journey of 10 volunteers all living with some form of dementia. The group, while juggling the pressure of catering and running a high end restaurant for four weeks, also get candid about their diagnosis.
According to Dementia Auckland, 12 percent of people diagnosed with dementia are under the age of 65 and dementia can start as young as 40.
Symptoms can include loss of short term memory, changes in behaviour, changes in perception, poor sense of direction, getting lost, change of appearance, difficulty with speech and language.
The term is used to describe a range of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment. Approximately 70,000 people in New Zealand live with a diagnosis of dementia, affecting 1 in 20 people over 65 and 1 in 5 over 80. The number is expected to increase to 170,000 people by 2050.
For Pasifika people they are one and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65.
Of Samoan heritage, George who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, is sharing his story and Tevita, a Tongan who was diagnosed with Young Early Onset Dementia, is also speaking out to help the Pacific community gain a better understanding of what it is.
Tevita, who also worked as a community advisor for Statistics New Zealand and the Electoral Commision, says communication is key.
“I love working with people but because of the diagnosis…I used to travel to various places and doing some community engagement…but I must admit it’s a great privilege to be here and share the stories.”
George says he is pleased he has the chance to be part of the show to spread the word.
“I felt that it was great having the opportunity to come along and talk about dementia which is something I was diagnosed with and there’s still a lot of unanswered questions that I deal with and I think for me personally, it’s been a journey.”
With the full support and love of their families, Tevita and George have this message for the Pacific community.
“It shows that we all have to speak up at times to help each other get through, you know these sorts of things, and what works for one may not work for someone else, it’s trial and error.
“At the end of the day we’ll get there. I have a positive outlook on life, a loving family and that’s what I focus on and dementia, or whatever, ain’t going to change that,” says George.
Tevita says, “Dementia, you can’t control it, but when it comes, just treat people who have dementia the same, we have the same values… the only difference is because of the communication.
“But if you treat them with respect, whether that person has dementia or not, just treat them with care.”
You can watch Tevita and George on The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes on TVNZ 1 starting on Monday 14th October.
