Ita Buttrose has surrendered her ''virginity'' on the lawns of Parliament House as part of a campaign for a massive government funding boost for dementia prevention, treatment and research.
The publishing icon yesterday took part in a political protest for the first time when she led more than 300 people with dementia, carers and health care workers in a march up Federation Mall from Old Parliament House
Ms Buttrose, who is president of Alzheimer's Australia, proudly confessed to the crowd that she was no longer a protest virgin.
''I never thought I'd lose my virginity on the lawns of Parliament House,'' she joked.
A determination to help the almost one million Australians who will have dementia by 2050 prompted Ms Buttrose to take part in the rally.
She said $500 million in new government funding would be needed over the next five years to address the epidemic.
''We were shocked and dismayed that in the last federal budget there was no additional funding for any dementia services or research,'' Ms Buttrose said.
''Of even greater concern is the fact that the government has terminated the Dementia Initiative as of 2013.
''Dementia is no longer a health priority. Why the government has decided this is baffling. Dementia must be a national health priority. That's why you're here today to tell your elected representatives that your needs are not being represented.''
Giralang woman Judy Woolstencroft has been caring full-time for her partner Chris Wylks since he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2007 at the age of 56.
Ms Woolstencroft said Mr Wylks, a teacher, had initially been diagnosed with depression.
''The doctor explained to us we don't like to diagnose young people with Alzheimer's and it took a further 10 months for him to receive a proper diagnosis.
''During this time, Chris was unable to access proper treatment, support or plan for his future. This wouldn't happen with any other disease.''
Ms Woolstencroft said there was a shortage of suitable programs for younger people with Alzheimer's.
Mr Wylks attended respite care one night a month and had access to other services through Alzheimer's ACT but these could be threatened if Government funding was not continued beyond 2013.
Mental Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler admitted that the Government needed to do more to help people with dementia.
''The more that you can campaign to build public awareness and public understanding of dementia - from my point of view - the better,'' Mr Butler said.
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