Understanding dementia: Australia's most impactful disease

Dementia describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain.

 

Dementia is not a normal part of getting older, and it isn’t one specific disease. Instead, it’s a broad term that encompasses the effects on people of a range of medical conditions.

Those conditions include

  • Alzheimer’s disease,
  • vascular dementia,
  • the Lewy body dementias and
  • more.

 

The effects of dementia vary from person to person, but generally, dementia affects your mood, memory, thinking and behaviour. It can happen to anybody, but it is much more common after the age of 65.

 

In Australia, there are an estimated 446,500 people living with dementia. Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).  While there isn't a cure as yet, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia, and there are treatments for many of the symptoms.

 

Some people with dementia lead active and fulfilling lives for many years after their diagnosis.

Navigating the journey: understanding and responding to dementia

Dementia presents unique challenges, and understanding 'what is happening' is the first step towards effective support.

This section provides insights into the progression of dementia and offers guidance on 'what can be done' to foster a supportive environment.  The focus is on helping you understand, develop coping skills, and use adjustment strategies to ensure a dignified and engaged life for the person with dementia. Learn how to adapt and create meaningful moments every day.  

Ideas to support yourself, them and access supports along the journey. 

 

Dementia - Support, Counselling, Chat Line

You don't have to deal with dementia alone. Dementia Australia offers information, advice and support, no matter what your experience of dementia.

Dementia Support Australia 

We focus on getting to know the person with dementia and their individual experiences, likes, dislikes and routines. After careful assessment, we provide personalised expert advice and strategies – working with you, the person with dementia, and their wider care network to address their needs and enable ongoing care and support.

Funded by the Australian Government and led by HammondCare, we bring together industry-wide expertise, build sectoral capacity, and create partnerships for better dementia care across the country.

Our nationwide service recognises the individual experiences of people living with dementia and recommends the ideal service level for each person.

Hints, Tips, Guide and Hot Topic Library

Dementia guide articles, tips and adaptations to help the person with dementia cope and stay at home longer. 

Extensive eBook Library 

You can access a wide range of topics from the eBook Library on Dementia Australia:

  • Caregiving Support and Guides. 
  • Lived experience with dementia (personal experiences)
  • Communication
  • Worried about memory 
  • Lewy Body Dementias

  • Frontotemporal Dementia 

  • Brain Health and Diet
  • Changes in Behaviour
  • Younger-onset dementia
  • Memoirs 
  • Activities and inspiration
  • Grief and Loss
  • Fictional stories
  • More.