Dementia

As of 2024, there are an estimated 421,000 Australians that live with dementia , with approximately 2 out of 3 cases living in the community and not in residential aged care. According to 2024 statistics provided by Dementia Australia , an estimated 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia. For those helping a loved one with dementia, much of your concern or fear may come from not knowing what's likely to happen in the future. What is dementia? Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s a collection of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain, resulting in memory, coordination, mood, behaviour, language, and reasoning difficulties. It causes a gradual loss of cognitive functioning, which, in time, impacts a person’s day-to-day life and activities. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia diagnosis is more common after the age of 65. Warning signs of dementia Although there are common

Technology has come a long way and there is seemingly no end to how we use it in daily life. If you are supporting someone with dementia , then you are probably wondering if apps and assistive technologies can help. The short answer is: yes. From brain-training apps for dementia and support worker resources, to safety and orientation aids, technology is making everyday situations for those living with dementia more manageable. However, using these in conjunction with other supports is the best way to get the most out of them. What is dementia? Dementia is a broad term used for conditions which affect the brain. These include Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular dementia, among others. As dementia is a progressive condition , the person with the diagnosis will likely experience a decline in cognitive functions over time – typically in areas such as thinking, behaviour and memory. As such, performing everyday tasks will become more challenging without support. It’s important then

One of the most frustrating challenges for people with dementia is losing the ability to communicate. They can struggle to express themselves clearly or understand what others are saying, making it difficult for themselves and their family and carers. As part of our webinar series , guest presenter Garrie O'Toole from Dementia Australia shared strategies for communication with people living with dementia. Below are some of the highlights from the webinar. Types of dementia and what they do to your brain Dementia refers to a broad set of symptoms caused by brain diseases. "Dementia itself is not a specific disease but rather describes symptoms related to progressive cognitive decline," explains O'Toole. While normal ageing involves some cognitive slowing, dementia leads to significant disruptions in daily functioning, which is not normal. There are over 150 types of dementia. The four primary types are: Alzheimer's disease , which is the most common type, progresses gradually, with

If you are supporting a parent or a partner living with dementia, making the decision with them about how to manage their needs in the future can be extremely difficult. We look at how people with dementia can be supported to live at home for longer – and the important role that community plays in supporting independence. As more flexible aged care options become available, the notion of the inevitability of moving to a residential facility as we age is becoming less acceptable. These days, the overwhelming majority of older Australians wish to age in place, in the comfort of their own homes. With 812,500 people expected to be living with dementia by 2054, according to Dementia Australia , more support will be needed for people to remain living independently even with cognitive impairment like dementia. But with the right support, remaining at home can be hugely beneficial, providing the comfort and safety of familiar surroundings. Community support is key for independent living and d

Being diagnosed with dementia can be a daunting experience for the person themselves, their family and their friends. It’s important to take time to come to terms with the diagnosis, but it’s also crucial to plan for changes that might come your way following the diagnosis. Whether the person lives alone, or with family, bringing additional support on board over time can help them to continue living with independence , comfort and dignity. As a first step, creating a plan for what support they might need in the future is a great idea. Changes in behaviour caused by dementia Dementia can cause all sorts of different changes in different people. Brain cell loss can have a range of direct impacts, including low motivation and impulse control, lack of ability to focus and plan, and problems communicating appropriately. Its effects can also be a little more oblique, and can make it challenging to care for a person living with dementia . For example, anger, frustration and disengagement

If you are concerned about whether a loved one has dementia, it is important that they see their GP. Getting a correct diagnosis of dementia at an early stage is important for treatment, support and planning for the future . Getting a loved one to actually see a GP, however, can sometimes be difficult. Dementia causes changes to the brain which interfere with the ability to recognise or appreciate the changes occurring. This means some people may not realise they have a problem. Others may recognise a problem but are afraid of having their fears confirmed by a GP so they may prefer to avoid a visit to the doctor as much as possible. One of the most effective ways to get your loved one to see a doctor is to find another reason for a visit. Perhaps suggest a check-up for a symptom that the person is willing to acknowledge, such as blood pressure, or suggest a review of a long-term condition or medication. Another way is to suggest that it is time for both of you to have a physical che

The term ‘ dementia ’ describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. Dementia affects a person’s memory, behaviour, and ability to clearly think and perform tasks, making everyday life difficult. While the condition is most prevalent in people aged 65 years and over, people in their 30s, 40s and 50s can develop younger onset dementia. Typically, one of the first symptoms of dementia is a problem with memory and recalling certain events. This might sometimes be disregarded as a ‘normal’ part of ageing, but there is a difference between normal forgetfulness and dementia . For example, forgetting why you went into the kitchen or misplacing your car keys is normal forgetfulness. Losing the car keys and then not remembering what they are used for, is more likely to be a symptom of dementia. There are more than 100 diseases which may cause different types of dementia and symptom severity and progression of the condition varies from person to person. Sym

My wife Jillian (Jilly) is 68 years old. Her father died from dementia. Jilly is the eldest of 8 and enjoyed a privileged upbringing. She became a nurse, then left to travel the world, returning to start a fashion company in Sydney with her sister. We were married in 1982. Jilly loved art, fashion, design, colour and had a great eye for style and elegance. We have 4 children and remain a very close-knit family looking out for each other and fully engaged in Jilly’s welfare and ongoing quality of life. Warning signs of dementia The early warning signs of dementia in Jilly’s case were very subtle, and started in her late 50s. Making off-hand comments about people or issues Forgetting where she was going Accusing me of doing things that did not happen At the fashion boutique where she worked, Jilly started struggling to balance the books each day. Eventually, she lost her job as things were getting worse. My kids were aware of these hiccups but I shielded them from many of these early s

When a person with dementia finds that their mental abilities are declining, they’re likely to feel anxious, stressed and scared. They may be aware of their increasing clumsiness and inability to remember things, and this can be very frustrating and upsetting for them. If you are looking after someone with dementia, you can help them feel more secure by creating a regular daily routine in a relaxed environment where they’re encouraged and not criticised. Involving the person you look after in everyday tasks may make them feel useful and improve their sense of self-worth. They could help with the shopping, laying the table or sweeping leaves in the garden, for example. As the illness progresses, these tasks may become harder for them to manage independently, and you may need to give them more support. Many support workers on the Mable platform are trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. They understand the importance of comfort and familiarity for these special clients. The right envi