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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 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 can make driving difficult as it can affect memory, concentration, judgement and vision.

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.

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