Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

Dementia gradually gets worse overtime and is more common in older people.

Video: an introduction to dementia

Dementia is a condition that affects a person's thinking, their behaviour and their ability to perform everyday tasks. Dementia gradually gets worse overtime and is more common in older people. Learn from an expert how to recognise signs of dementia and what can be done to reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Dementia video series - main menu

Where to go for help

Visit the Dementia Australia website to find out more about dementia and for information on services and programs in your area. Alternatively, you can call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Video transcripts:

Last reviewed: October 2018

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Dementia: what is it? - MyDr.com.au

Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. This article describes some early signs of dementia, who gets dementia and emphasises the importance of a timely medical diagnosis.

Read more on myDr website

Medicines & dementia: what you need to know

Find resources to help you communicate about dementia & your care. Learn about the role of medicines in managing dementia.

Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

What is good care? | Dementia Australia

Important aspects of good care An effective approach to care Culturally appropriate care Involvement of relatives and friends Effective pain management Using minimal restraint

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Progression of dementia | Dementia Australia

People with dementia differ in the patterns of problems they have, and the speed with which their abilities deteriorate. A person with dementia's abilities may change from day to day, or even within the same day. What is certain though is that the person’s abilities will deteriorate; this may happen rapidly in a period of a few months or slowly over a number of years.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Alcohol related dementia | Dementia Australia

What is alcohol related dementia? Alcohol related dementia, as the name suggests, is a form of dementia related to the excessive drinking of alcohol. This affects memory, learning and other mental functions. Korsakoff’s syndrome and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are particular forms of alcohol related brain injury which may be related to alcohol related dementia.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

HIV associated dementia | Dementia Australia

What is HIV associated dementia? When someone has the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) they may develop a complication to the disease which is known as HIV associated dementia, or as AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC).

Read more on Dementia Australia website

About younger onset dementia | Younger Onset Dementia Hub

Younger onset dementia is dementia in people under 65. Learn what it is, how it can go unnoticed and how early diagnosis can improve your life. Read on.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Drug treatments & dementia | Dementia Australia

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses that cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. It is a broad term to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and what would be considered normal emotional reactions. Dementia causes significant impairment in a person’s day to day functioning.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Depression and dementia | Dementia Australia

What is depression? Depression is usually described as feelings of extreme sadness. It describes both a mood and a syndrome. A depressed mood may be:

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Delirium and dementia

This Q&A sheet provides information about what delirium is, and, how it relates to people with dementia.

Read more on Dementia Australia website

Find a health service

GP (General practice) Pharmacy Emergency Departments Hospitals

Need more services?

Enter a location

{{prefLabel}}

Use current location

Check your symptoms Find a health service

24 hour health advice you can count on

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice