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.
