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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 can affect your memory, thinking and behaviour. It has many possible causes. There is no cure but there are ways to live well with dementia.

Worried about your memory?

You might be worried that your memory isn't what it used to be. Learn more about what can cause memory loss and when you should see a doctor.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects your memory and behaviour. Learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Younger onset dementia

Younger onset dementia is the name given to dementia in people aged under 65 years. Learn what you need to think about with early onset dementia.

Dementia and driving

Dementia can make driving unsafe because it affects your ability to do multiple tasks. Learn more about when you may need to stop driving.

Creating a dementia friendly environment

A supportive space can help a person with dementia to feel safe, comfortable and independent. Learn how to create a dementia-friendly environment.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by problems with the blood supply to the brain. Find out about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of vascular dementia.

Lewy body dementias

Lewy body dementias are caused by abnormal protein clumps in the brain that affect memory, thinking, movement and behaviour. Read about the symptoms.

Frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the parts of the brain involved in behaviour and language. Learn about FTD symptoms and treatments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and dementia

Dementia is the same condition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people as for everyone else. Learn about the first signs of dementia.

Living with dementia

Getting a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult. Over time, dementia can make it hard to do everyday tasks. Learn what you need to think about.

Tests used in diagnosing dementia

Find out more about the tests doctors use to diagnose dementia. Learn about physical and neurological examinations, cognitive tests, x-rays and scans.

Supporting carers of people with dementia

Caring for someone with dementia can be hard and stressful at times, but there are organisations that can help with training and support.

Cognitive impairment

Cognitive impairment can cause problems remembering things, concentrating and making decisions. Learn how to prevent cognitive impairment here.

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Manage your health in your 40s

Be aware of the health conditions that affect people in their 40s. Learn how to reduce your risks and manage your health at this stage of life.

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Manage your health in your 50s

Be aware of the health conditions that can affect people in their 50s. Learn how to reduce your risks and manage your health at this stage of life.

Manage your health in your 60s

If you are in your 60s, you should be aware of some common health conditions. Find out their symptoms, how to prevent them and stay healthy.

Manage your health in your 70s and older

If you are 70 or older, you should be aware of common health conditions and their signs. Learn some ways to help manage your health as you age.

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Seniors' health

As you get older, it's important to understand how ageing affects the mind and body. Read up on bone health, arthritis, nutrition and more.

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