Dementia
Dementia is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, their behaviour and their ability to perform everyday tasks. There are more than 100 different causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Dementia is more common in older people, although people under 65 can develop so called younger onset dementia. Learn about common dementia worries, how to prepare your home environment and caring for someone with dementia in this section.
Dementia - an overview
Dementia is a group of diseases that affect your memory, thinking and behaviour. There is no cure, but early intervention can improve quality of life.
Worried about your memory?
You might be worried that your memory isn’t what it used to be. Learn more about memory loss, what causes it and when you should see a doctor.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease affects your brain function, memory and behaviour. Learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and progression.
Younger onset dementia
People under 65 can develop younger onset dementia. Learn about planning, legal rights and respite care for people with early onset dementia.
Dementia and driving
Dementia can affect your memory, concentration, judgement and vision, which makes driving a car more difficult. Here's what you need to know.
Creating a calming, helpful home for people with dementia
A soothing, calming atmosphere is helpful for everybody. For people with dementia, it can help minimise confusion and help them concentrate and rest.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia develops due to problems with the blood’s circulation to the brain. Find out about the types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Lewy body disease
Lewy body disease causes abnormal protein clumps in the brain that affect memory, thinking, movement and behaviour, and cause a progressive dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the parts of the brain controlling personality, behaviour and language. Learn about how to manage FTD symptoms.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and dementia
Find out more about dementia, the importance of early intervention and how it affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Living with dementia
Dementia can make it more challenging for you to complete everyday tasks. With support, you can still live a full and active life.
Tests used in diagnosing dementia
Doctors diagnose dementia using a number of different tests, including physical and neurological examination, cognitive tests, X - Rays and scans.
Supporting carers of people with dementia
Caring for someone with dementia can be frustrating and stressful at times, but there are organisations that can help with training and support.
