…ifications. Restorative and compensatory techniques aim to maintain independence, preserve cognition, and foster a sense of control and confidence. Env…
Search Results
Communities for Dementia update
…developing a framework and approach to support Dementia Friendly Communities (DFCs) to evaluate their impact. Following considerable research includin…
When it’s not actually dementia
…alth Organization’s 12 recommendations to improve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline include: Quit smoking Drink alcohol in moderati…
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy + Community of Practice
…ory clinics and medical and community settings. What does CST involve? All CST programs are presented in manuals to ensure the consistency and fidelity…
A healthy diet for hearts and minds
…poor heart health. Fats and oils that come from plants, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds are healthier. Fats that come from animals, such as…
Dementia and environmental design
…nment is acting upon a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Safety and Quality in Aged Care to improve the design of residential caged care. The…
Introducing the PPA Guide
…rd finding difficulties and communication are the earliest signs which lead to profound impacts on everyday conversations, activities and life roles.1…
Face Dementia’s General Practice Improvement Program
…sed dementia diagnoses. Underreporting and stigma experienced by patients and their families Limited screening tools Time constraints of GPs Lack of tr…
Results show improvement in communication of dementia diagnosis
…gn improved the way in which they communicated dementia diagnosis and provided more post-diagnostic information and supports….
Supporting communication with people living with dementia
…out in the way they intended. Communication changes can be frustrating for both the person living with dementia and their family and friends. Such cha…
Berry good news for brain health
…ve recipe ideas: https://www.driscolls.com.au/collections *Hannah works as a dietitian at AH Diabetes, an allied health diabetes practice in Toowoomba,…
MyMedicare to benefit older Australians
…care to patients in the community with complex chronic disease who frequently attend hospitals, with the aim of reducing hospital visits. How to regis…
Launch of Face Dementia project
…th local primary health and community organisations as well as Dementia Australia. Professor Lee-Fay Low said: We want Australians to be able to recogn…
An ‘exercise snack’?
…uch as single-leg knee bends or coming to stand from a chair with no arms. Exercises are performed continuously for one minute, with a one-minute passi…
Vote for ‘Enjoying Life with Dementia,’ a film by Bill Yeates
…to volunteer lifesaving and competing in the SLR championships. Bill dives headfirst into his training with his framework of support that includes a ne…
Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance: Future Fit
…creating a dementia-friendly communities. Learn how Ballina does it and how you can do this for your community, patients, clients and your own loved o…
New five-day post-diagnostic retreat by Group Homes Australia
…Group Homes Australia Founder and Executive Director, Tamar Krebs, said, “People diagnosed with other chronic illness receive resources and support to…
Donanemab – the third new Alzheimer’s Disease treatment under development
…full results are soon to be published and presented at a conference. Eli Lilly plan to apply for approval via the FDA in the US in the next few months….
International experiences of post-diagnostic support
…da, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom. The survey explored people with dementia and carer’s experiences with support provided after diagno…
Influenza and dementia
…ogical conditions, immunocompromising conditions, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, renal disease, and haematological disorders). Aboriginal and…
Improving the Forward with Dementia website
…ness, make appointments and find information. But rarely it seems that creators of website take time to consider how older people, less familiar with c…
April Falls Prevention
…rength. Occupational therapists can undertake an assessment of your home and provide tailored advice or suggest modifications to reduce falls risk. Thi…
Epilepsy and dementia
…s or muscle twitching (hands and arms, or mouth such as chewing, lip-smacking or swallowing). These symptoms can be fleeting and are often missed or co…
Rare Diseases Day: Frontotemporal dementia
…t frontal dementia may become apathetic, socially disinhibited or socially unaware. They often have trouble with judgement, making decisions or problem…
BeConnected webinars and staying safe online
…we communicate with friends and family, shop, do banking, conduct business, access government services, and find information. And constant technologic…
Getting organised at home
…y them. Occupational therapy and home modifications focus on keeping you independent and doing things for yourself. You can get subsidised occupational…
LGBTIQ+ and dementia
…designed to suit health and community organisations that are committed to safe, inclusive practice and service delivery for LGBTQI+ people. Dementia Tr…
Medication update: Lecanemab
…utaneous preparation is under trial. Eisai and Biogen will sell the drug at $US26,500 annually. Patients are advised to have three MRI scans over the f…
New research supports evaluation of dementia-friendly communities
…nhance program outcomes and community control Build the capacity of communities and program staff to collect data and use evidence to direct the social…
Communities for dementia research project
…nhance program outcomes and community control Build the capacity of communities and program staff to collect data and use evidence to direct the social…
Tips for coping with the festive season
…heck if the destination and accommodation is dementia friendly, plan travel routes, pack extra clothing and food and allow extra time. Read the Forward…
Social inclusion for people living with dementia
…s to provide friendship and companionship to older people. Visits are available to anyone who: receives government-subsidised residential aged care or…
Sleep, wellbeing and dementia: New research
…6 of the sleep program and complete a sleep diary. Completing a follow up questionnaire at the end of the sleep program and an optional questionnaire…
Moving forward with new research
…e professionals. Understand appropriate and accessible formats for providing information, and Probe the most appropriate ways in which information can…
New post-diagnostic support program in the ACT – SPICE
…education, mindfulness, and capacity building program Care of People with dementia in their Environments (COPE) program The SPICE program is primarily…
Nutrition and dementia
…entia can forget to eat and become malnourished. Mediterranean diet Research shows that a Mediterranean diet can help prevent dementia, but we don’t ha…
Carers Week 2022
…at I don’t quite understand, and for links to other resources, like the sensory book.” Another carer, Graeme, has supported his wife with dementia for…
Timely Diagnosis Project
…s of dementia diagnosis and treatments and services, decrease stigma, and increase motivations and triggers for help-seeking. The project also aims to…
Dementia Alliance International Peer-to-Peer Support Groups
….” Whilst family and friends, and even professionals working in the field of dementia can be supportive to some extent, they don’t really know how we f…
Older Adult Mental Health Week
…you. You have to understand and accept the diagnosis. As soon as you can do that, you can start moving on with your life,” Bill Yeates, Dementia Advoca…
The world of dementia is changing
…ghlighting the humanity and innovation that have, and always will be, in this space. The conference covered topics from dementia prevention to death an…
Meet the Australian Research Team
…Canada, Netherlands, Poland and the UK. We share a common mission to better support people with dementia and carers after diagnosis. Websites and resou…
Becoming a dementia advocate – Bill Yeates
…osis Keeping active and social while raising funds and awareness…
Carer turned dementia advocate – Val Fell
…of people with dementia and found the social interaction, help, and advice from others with lived experience to be invaluable. After Ian passed away, s…
Becoming a dementia advocate – Bobby Redman
…er becoming an advocate and undertake the Dementia Advocate Training through Dementia Australia. I now represent and support other dementia advocates a…
Women’s Health Week
…to terms with dementia and adapting to the caring role. It is important to seek help, and skills training if needed. Read our recent blog about new po…
Speech pathology after a dementia diagnosis
…repared for future life and communication changes. Goals like these are aimed at maximising your independence and your life participation. Step 3: Your…
Support to stay at home following a dementia diagnosis
…upport. Topics include: Understanding more about the impact of dementia An introduction to respite, including respite planning How to access community…
Dental health
…f poor health generally and complicate management of illnesses such as diabetes, chronic heart failure and respiratory diseases. Preventing oral diseas…
Libraries and people with dementia
…places, like libraries and community centres, with a trained facilitator. Everyone takes turns to read poems or novels aloud to the group and discuss…
Gardening and people living with dementia
…outdoor space, balcony and indoor gardening has become more popular, with indoor hydroponic kits, terrariums, herb gardens and “living walls”. Gardeni…
Dementia Together Pathways
…essionals who discussed and deleted or revised pathway components with which 80% of participants did not agree with. Shared care pathways for people li…
Diabetes and dementia
…und; or from Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background women who have given birth to a child over 4.5 kgs (9 lbs) or had gesta…
Alcohol and dementia
…ay how drinking within recommended guidelines affects the brain. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle throughout your life can help reduce the risk of…
Stay in control of your continence
…urse advisors can recommend appropriate continence aids (eg. pads, special underwear and bed protection) and using new electronic bidets that replace e…
Dementia awareness in Men’s Health Week
…riving is part of being independent as well as a way of getting to places. The quick reaction times, coordination and problem solving that are needed t…
Music and dementia
…significant leap in our understanding around music and the brain in the early nineties with the advent of brain imaging. We’ve learnt that we process m…
Art and people living with dementia
…le living with dementia and community support organisations. Many regional galleries also offer art and dementia programs – for example – the Lismore R…
The importance of families in dementia diagnosis and support
…ry: support from family and the Turkish community Betty’s story: help to stay independent at home Tam’s story: support and education in the Vietnamese…
Dementia and driving
…fe to drive, they will recommend that you take a Fitness to Drive assessment. Fitness to Drive assessments are usually conducted by occupational therap…
Celebrating nurses in dementia care
…luding general practice and community care services, nurses have a fundamental role in the prevention of chronic disease. Nurses promote physical activ…
Phil’s story: support of a highly trained assistance dog
…t about therapy options and apply for services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). For more information about services that people…
Top tips from our expert panel
…you. You have to understand and accept the diagnosis. As soon as you can do that, you can start moving on with your life.” I didn’t process my diagnosi…
Aducanumab (Aduhelm)
…roval. In March 2022 an independent analysis by Ross et al. published found there was no cost benefit from using this medication. On 7th April 2022, th…
Parkinson’s disease and related dementias
…ead George’s story about his symptoms and diagnosis of Parkinson’s dementia, and how he’s managed to move forward despite a major set-back and time in…
Copyright and Disclaimer
…e not responsible for the use of a hypertext link for which a commercial charge applies. Individual users are responsible for any charges that their us…
It’s time to plan for the future
…ring power of attorney, and enduring guardianship documents in place means your wishes will be undertaken in the future. Many people find it uncomforta…
Services for people with dementia from CALD communities
…ated a series of videos and comic strips co-produced with CALD communities to increase awareness of dementia in these communities. My Aged Care provide…
Dementia resource and services for Indigenous Australians
…al and Torres Strait Islander communities to lead a healthy life and keep stories alive for generations. Part 2 explains what you can do to lead a brai…
Time to plan for now!
…tia. Also consider home and community services which help you at home or when out an about. These services are provided through the Federal government’…
Webinar: Navigating the system, finding supports after diagnosis
…r OT is Occupational Therapist. Find an OT. Many people living with dementia have found the UTAS Dementia MOOC useful to learn more about dementia. My…
Natural disasters and people living with dementia
…2 500 NSW Disaster Relief via Service NSW: 13 77 88 Queensland Community Recovery hotline: 1800 173 349…
Hearing Awareness Week: Time to get your hearing checked!
…s often under-diagnosed and under-treated. Most people don’t realise the considerable impacts of hearing loss, or that it is linked with serious condit…
Rare Disease Day: Frontotemporal Dementia
…te with the Dementia Friendly Communities movement in Kiama and the Southern Dementia Advisory Group since 2014, and is an active member of Dementia Al…
Showcasing the Museum of Love and the Celebrate Ageing Program
…Mirror, with home snaps and captions of people with dementia doing something they love. Ongoing contribution of people with dementia and their carers i…
How your GP and practice nurse can help
…py 3.14 Occupational therapy and home modifications. Carers can read the following articles on this website: 2.12 Be assertive with doctors and other p…
Keeping active and social while raising funds and awareness
…blue, yellow and green) and competed in a range of events including freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke, dog paddle, dolphin diving and pool…
Medication Review: Watch out for Anticholinergics
…we need often increases and becomes more complicated. It is therefore important to regularly review your medications, particularly after being at hospi…
Reducing the risk of vascular dementia
…al and Torres Strait Islander people), and family history. Minimise your risk It’s never too late to minimise your risk of vascular dementia and heart…
Options to help keep you socially and mentally active online
…online courses helpful and enjoy completing them. The courses are known as Massive Online Open Courses or ‘MOOCS’. MOOCS offer quality information and…
Options for keeping physically active at home
…ion, an exercise class finder and a Build Your Balance Exercise video. Healthy and Active Online – NSW only Healthy and Active for Life Online is a FRE…
New habits for the new year
…who support you (family and friends, professionals) to understand what you want, so they can help you achieve your plan. Read the Forward with Dementia…
Children’s Books about Dementia
…ned to create awareness and understanding among children of changes that can occur as a result of dementia and memory loss. Even if you don’t have a fa…
Time Travelling with Technology
…Therapies to help memory and thinking about other cognitive stimulation therapy and brain training and how this can benefit people living with dementia…
Surviving the festive season
…Communicate with family and friends about how things may be different this year and how you need to be supported. For more information, read 2.13 Manag…
I-HARP: Improving dementia outcomes through at-home care
…hospitals and AngliCare and BaptistCare. Please note: The I-HARP program has been offered as part of a clinical trial and resources will soon be availa…
Showcasing the COPE program
…nment, daily activities and communication to support the person with dementia’s capabilities; use problem solving; and, lower carer stress. For each ta…
Dementia Reframed
…mentia, beyond the medical focus on cause and treatment, and beyond the messages of doom and gloom….
Social inclusion for people living with dementia
…and provide friendship and companionship. The program is beneficial for both the volunteers and the older people. You can request to have a visit or b…
Get involved and help us improve Forward with Dementia
…opportunity to discuss and understand your experiences of the Forward with Dementia program in more detail, and to understand how the project may have…
One step ahead: the iReadi program
…are other organisations and individuals with similar objectives who are already one step ahead. They’re already implementing successful programs to imp…
Emotional reactions to having dementia
…th dementia and carers find attending an education and support group, or an online support group really useful to learn more about dementia, share stor…
Tam’s story: support and education in the Vietnamese community.
…the house as they always come home happy. One time they took a trip to Cabramatta where they could speak their language and eat their food. That made t…
Busting myths to combat stigma
…o lack of understanding and common myths and negative stereotypes about the condition. It is important to challenges these myths and stereotypes and gu…
Travel for people living with dementia
…but also good for our minds and has the potential to slow the progression of dementia. Travelling for leisure is an activity that everyone should be a…
Webinar: Rethinking support after dementia diagnosis
…healthcare.com.au/healthcare/st-vincents-health-and*]}*-community-services/…
Improving the dementia diagnosis experience
…ns for your doctor. We recommend newly diagnosed people and their carers can learn from other dementia experts, including advocates and people living w…
Getting back into life and routine after COVID lockdown
…nteractions with family and friends). If you exercised more during lockdown, this is also a great routine to continue, particularly given the benefits…
Webinar: Rethinking the dementia diagnosis conversation
…their affairs in order and warned about driving. And that was it! Those days are over … or they should be! We can do a lot better,” said Professor Hen…
Celebrating carers
…iagnosed with dementia: Understanding the diagnosis – making sense of what you are going through and what to expect Coming to terms with the diagnosis…
Launch of Forward with Dementia Australia
…da, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom. “In the past, people were told nothing could be done. They may have been given some medication, ask…
Hello! Socially reconnecting after diagnosis
…coming socially engaged and becoming part of the local community. I say this, because I experienced a loss in confidence following my diagnosis, especi…
Bobby’s story: adjusting, accepting, and succeeding
…d ongoing resolve to be independent are inspirational. Bobby’s past work involved helping people with special needs, with whom she had a clear and empa…
Tools and promotional resources for your clinic
…rtrait Poster Couple 3 Landscape Poster Woman Landscape Poster Man Landscape Poster Couple 1 Landscape Poster Couple 2 Landscape Poster Couple 3 Help s…
Forward with dementia home page
…le living with dementia and carers, and tools to help you come to terms and live positively with dementia. This website is your guide for the first yea…
Glossary
…e of sound mind, memory and understanding. V Visuo-spatial skills This is the ability to organise visual information, interpret patterns and have the b…
Post-diagnostic support and dementia care planning
…ops driving. Lifestyle recommendations – discuss exercise, staying cognitively and socially active, limit alcohol, stop smoking, ‘Mediterranean’ diet….
Telling someone they have dementia
…nderstand the diagnosis and communicating with the person with dementia and care partner can be found in this Care Guide by Pond, D. et.al. (2019). Fur…
5.11 Plan your legal affairs and money
…his person has dementia and becomes unable to cope with finances, there can be significant problems. Banks and utility companies e.g. phone, electricit…
5.10 Plan for future lifestyle, health and medical care
…ppointed person may not understand your values or wishes. This process can be difficult and time consuming when decisions need to be made quickly. You…
5.9 Ensure plans for the future are in place
…ave an up-to-date will, and someone appointed to make decisions about financial, legal, medical and care arrangements on your behalf if you are unable….
5.8 Getting services – Local organisations and councils
…from clean-up services and help accessing aged care services, to men’s sheds and carer respite. Local councils often have culturally specific services…
5.7 Getting services – National Disability Insurance Scheme
…t services are required and funding that can be made available. The person with dementia (and carer) will choose a provider to deliver the services. Fo…
5.6 Getting services – My Aged Care
…o use. Ask friends for recommendations. Support group contacts are often particularly knowledgeable. Speak to a few providers about their services and…
5.5 Types of Services
…ed health services Home and community services Dementia information and support services Respite services Financial support for carers Medical services…
5.2 Make a life plan for this year
…e plan. You might also find the goal setting and planning workbook produced by people with dementia in collaboration with Alzheimer’s UK useful. Set…
5.1 Plan for now to live well
…u support and yourself; and legal and financial plans. There is a lot to think about and do. You don’t have to do it all now, take it step by step. Som…
Aducanumab: Is the new drug for Alzheimer’s disease a cure?
…gen worked with the FDA and applied for approval of the drug. Despite the FDA’s own external advisory group voting almost unanimously against approval,…
Coming to terms with dementia
…People with dementia can understand and process their feelings…
Coming to terms with dementia
…Carers can understand and process their feelings…
Anne’s story: sharing the diagnosis and a love of dogs!
…ut connecting with a friend and moving forward with dementia together… Malcolm and I have always had pets. Malcolm had two dogs, Whiskey and Tango, h…
Sharing Mum’s dementia diagnosis
…ill been able to understand and express that. Our family always spoke openly about a range of topics that some people find hard to talk about, like dea…
Cheryl’s story: our dementia diagnosis experience
…r was very, very caring and compassionate. He wasn’t talking to me. He was talking to Kevin. I know that’s what you would expect a doctor to do, but we…
Cheryl’s story: services and support experience
…ry obliging and helpful and he and Kevin get along so well. I’m extremely grateful for that and I’m glad Kevin understands that I need help. I have sev…
Michael’s story: a positive approach to living alone with dementia
…e doctor, dentist, taxi and computer repair man. Have smoke detectors checked regularly. Cook more with the microwave so that it switches itself off. S…
Phil’s story: from dismal diagnosis to dementia advocate
…fort to stay in control and independent have helped him lead a busy, positive life with dementia. There are many ways to learn more about dementia to…
Phil Hazel’s story: decision about driving
…ot but once he was lost and ended up walking on the M2 motorway! He called 000. Two guys in a tow-truck came and sat with him until the police arrived….
Rosa and Arnaldo’s story: travelling after a dementia diagnosis
…sis. They felt confused and despondent. Rosa and Arnaldo considered cancelling their trip, and much to Rosa’s bitter disappointment, their families als…
The joys and challenges of caring across the sea
…hile, then changed her mind and did not wish to go. Mum was very against having what she considered “strangers” in her house. This made it hard, or nea…
Emira’s story: support from family and the Turkish community
…know that if something happens, and we need more help to stay living at home, I can contact My Aged Care. Read more about getting support and help-a…
Betty’s story: help to stay independent at home
…return to her own home and community . Fortunately, Heather knew Betty could get care in her own home. Together, they sought and received a package of…
Jean’s story: managing emotions after a dementia diagnosis
…e the bad days, how to adapt and cope with different symptoms, and how to continue living and enjoying life. I got better at asking for support from fa…
Carol’s story: when caring for the carer is important
…missing his lame jokes and kind hugs. But who could she talk to who would not judge her, think her silly or selfish when Geoff was clearly still prese…
Heather’s story: moving forward without confrontation
…tia by trying to understand and imagine the experience from her mother-in-law’s perspective. When her mother-in-law became agitated, and convinced that…
About us
…Canada, Netherlands, Poland and the UK. We share a common mission to better support people with dementia and carers after diagnosis. Forward with Demen…
4.7 Practise self-care
…u connect with other friends and family. Read 2.7 Reactions of family and friends to the diagnosis and 2.8 Sharing the diagnosis with family and friend…
4.6 Build your emotional resilience
…itional support for Mum and went back to my committee. I realised that doing things I loved (even though I love doing things for Mum) actually gave me…
4.5 Look after your own health
…y Saturday. James does landscaping and handyman jobs, and he would take Rex to the hardware store while he got his supplies. They spent hours there. “J…
4.4 Get plenty of rest
…sleep at night. Try to get 8 hours sleep a night, by cutting down on daytime naps and using a sleep routine. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble sl…
4.3 Eat well
…an Dementia Guidelines recommend that Souvenaid not be used for people with moderate or severe dementia. If you are at all concerned about your nutriti…
4.1 Live well to care well
…ry day. It is important and becomes more important as we get older. Physical activity can help you stay active – that “use it or lose it” idea is quite…
3.17 Use services to support living at home
…The cleaners, gardeners and handymen can do jobs that might be difficult or dangerous for you or your person such as making beds, cleaning blinds and m…
3.16 Assistive technologies at home
…selecting equipment or recommending changes you can make to reach those goals. Explore the range of products available. The National Equipment Database…
3.15 Create a dementia-friendly environment
…confidence in moving around and help prevent falls. Further information on preventing falls can be found at Stop Falls at Home and you can do a self-as…
3.14 Dealing with symptoms at home
…st to maintaining their independence. Tony said that moving soon after Cherie’s diagnosis was the right time. It gave her time to adjust to her new hom…
3.13 Use therapies to help people maintain independence
…for navigation using a map app, or to call a driver using a rideshare app. Research studies consistently show that occupational therapy helps people w…
3.12 Dealing with symptoms when out and about
…up with activities, friends and family. Social contact boosts your physical and mental health! What if they say or do the “wrong thing” It is easy to…
3.11 Transport alternatives
…and State governments fund community transport. Community transport is part of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) (see 5.5 Types of Services…
3.9 Dealing with driving
…ncludes using vision to understand how far away other stationary or moving objects are, how fast they are travelling and in what direction), attentiona…
3.7 Helping people with dementia to stay on task
…by people with dementia and carers and can be downloaded free online. Re-read this page and write down some strategies that you think might be helpfu…
3.6 Managing anxiety about memory and thinking difficulties
…lm space’ where her husband Andy could retreat to when things threatened to overwhelm him in their noisy extended family home. Monitoring and responsiv…
3.5 Sensory and perceptual changes
…e hearing, touch, smell and taste. Dementia and Sensory Challenges provides insight into these changes which can be perplexing, and also gives practica…
3.4 Strategies to help with memory and thinking difficulties
…to encourage their use and become a habit. To start you will usually need to prompt their use. Vera’s husband used to ask her many times “What are we…
3.3 Cognitive therapies and rehabilitation
…games, or there are pen and paper options. There is evidence that brain training is effective to improve memory and thinking for people with mild cogni…
3.1 Dealing with memory and thinking difficulties
…after yourself, get around, and live life. As a supporter of someone living with dementia there is a lot you can do to help the person adjust to and m…
2.13 Tell others how you want to be supported
…ng. Many family members and friends are well intentioned, but don’t know how to provide support that is helpful. Some family can be too intrusive, othe…
2.12 Be assertive with doctors and other professionals
…re consistent with the recommendations from those guidelines. You can read the ‘Consumer Campanion Guide’ to the Australian Clinical Practice Guideline…
2.11 Managing how others treat you and the person you support
…rganiser simply doesn’t understand dementia. If it is an activity that you or the person would like to be involved in, feel confident in contacting the…
2.10 Sharing the diagnosis with employers
…nts, as well as carers’ and compassionate leave. There are also federal anti-discrimination laws that protect carers against discrimination based on ca…
2.9 Sharing the diagnosis with professionals
…ave you or an advocate accompany the person to appointments. Health professionals will keep all personal information, including diagnoses, confidential…
2.8 Sharing the diagnosis with family and friends
…ve noticed and avoid misunderstandings. It may also mean that you and the person you support are more confident in asking for their assistance. When ot…
2.7 Reactions of family and friends to the diagnosis
…tia. Some family and friends become really upset at the news. Sometimes this is felt as unhelpful because they don’t want sympathy or pity, while other…
2.6 The person with dementia won’t talk about their diagnosis
…issues they are having and become angry or withdrawn if you try to talk about dementia. The lack of awareness is not simply refusing to acknowledge th…
2.5 Talking about the dementia diagnosis
…it. Bettina and her husband found it helpful to talk about dementia like a third person in their house; “Mr Dementia” got blamed, not her husband Alec…
2.4 Plan to prevent depression
…nment funded, free 24/7 telephone service can help you understand and manage personality or behavioural changes….
2.3 When feelings threaten to overwhelm you
…assist with counselling and therapy such as cognitive behaviour therapy, which is a ‘talking therapy’ for depression, usually delivered by a psychologi…
2.2 Working through feelings is a positive step
…n on paper can help you understand them more clearly and feel more in control. Talk to family and/or friends about your feelings. Write down your feeli…
2.1 Strong emotions with a dementia diagnosis
…t protective of her husband and worried about his reaction”. Amanda told us that she was “really angry about the deal life had given them”. Carers desc…
1.11 Your children’s risk of dementia
…ntia, will develop the condition in their 50s or 60s and this is called younger onset dementia. There is an increased likelihood that younger onset dem…
1.10 Plan for now and the future
…o essential is utilising community services and other supports so the person with dementia can return home. Carers describe that talking about aged car…
1.9 Plan to get support
…ded by other family, friends and services. While these coping types are generalisations, it is important to recognise that you cannot, and should not,…
1.6 Break down myths and stereotypes
…their time, use pencil and paper for notes, and ask for help if they really get stuck. Myth 4: Nothing can be done for people with dementia Fact 4:…
For healthcare professionals
…or healthcare professionals The pages below contain information and tools to improve communication of the dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic suppor…
1.5 Finding hope
…ome doctors, while kind and compassionate, give the impression that not much can be done for dementia. Their focus is on making the diagnosis and presc…
1.4 Get trustworthy, up-to-date information
…most suited to. Carers recommended that you keep going to meetings, even if they seem difficult at first. They describe the new friendships you make an…
1.2 Understand the types of dementia
…n benefit from physiotherapy and exercise physiology to help improve movement. Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease are related diseases, however…
1.1 Information about the diagnosis will help you move forward
…ices can help you. Click on each action to explore information and recommendations that will help you move forward….
5.6 Your will
…u may lack testamentary capacity, i.e. not be legally capable of giving instructions about making a will. Visit Australian Seniors for more information…
5.4 Talk to your family about your future wishes
…ring power of attorney, and enduring guardianship documents in place, means that your wishes will be undertaken in the future. Many people find it unco…
5.3 Plan to use services
…ptoms of dementia. Home and community services. Usually these services help you at home or when out and about. These services can help with home modifi…
5.2 Put your life plan into action
…current evidence based recommendations for post-diagnostic care. Read the page 2.10 Tell other health professionals which includes advice on being asse…
5.1 Make a plan for this year
…who support you (family and friends, professionals) understand what you want, and means they can help you live your plan. Your life plan is flexible. A…
4.9 Join a group to be more socially active
…nsider 3.10 Dementia friendly groups and activities. Join a peer support group Some people with dementia told us what a big difference peer support w…
4.7 Be mentally active
…ognitive stimulation therapy and brain training for information on their benefits. Use it or lose it! With dementia, you might find that you have few…
4.6 Build emotional resilience
…ify goals, barriers, therapies and strategies which might help with these. Some people find meaning in relation to having dementia by volunteering in r…
4.4 Rest well
…ending a webinar. They recommend having breaks between activities so you can recharge. They also suggest not scheduling too many activities on one day,…
4.3 Eat and drink well
…dementia forget to eat and become malnourished. Try to maintain a healthy weight. If you are low on certain vitamins and minerals this can have a big…
3.15 Services which support you at home
…ate cleaners, gardeners and handymen can help you maintain your home and garden. The cleaners, gardeners and handymen can do jobs that might be difficu…
3.14 Occupational therapy and home modifications
…up to help you live as independently as possible. The Stop Falls at Home website gives home safety tips to prevent falls and you can do a self-assessm…
3.13 Strategies from others to deal with difficulties at home
…e house Talk to your friends and family about how big the safety risk is. See if you can put in place devices or strategies so that you can keep doing…
3.12 Dementia makes it harder to manage at home
…cident. Occupational therapy and home modifications focus on keeping you independent and doing things for yourself, rather than focus on doing things f…
3.11 Speech and occupational therapy
…for navigation using a map app, or to book a driver using a rideshare app. Research studies consistently show that occupational therapy helps people w…
3.10 Dementia friendly groups
…part of the Dementia Friendly Communities movement. This movement is raising awareness of dementia and working to make the community a more inclusive a…
3.9 Strategies from others for when you are out and about
…smart phone, download a map app like Google Maps and practise using it to navigate while walking or driving. Try the “live view” instructions which use…
3.8 Dementia makes activities outside home harder
…about 3.10 Dementia friendly groups 3.11 Speech and occupational therapy Keeping active in your community and socialising is a way of improving your b…
3.7 Transport options for people with dementia
…and State governments fund community transport. Community transport is part of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) (see 5.3 Plan to use servi…
3.5 Driving when you have dementia
…o your usual activities and appointments when you do not drive. Use the Dementia and Driving decision aid (it’s available in English and in other langu…
3.4 Therapies to help memory and thinking
…evidence and clinical recommendations behind cognitive stimulation therapy, it is rarely offered in Australia. You may be lucky to find a group in you…
3.3 Memory and thinking strategies
…ee on your mobile phone and computer. If you use an electronic diary, ask professionals and friends to email you a calendar or diary invitation of your…
3.2 Memory, thinking and perception difficulties
…uch more sensitive to sounds and touch, this can make the environment overwhelming and painfully difficult. Agnes Houston has written about her own exp…
3.1 Managing symptoms to achieve what’s most important
…l life might revolve around spending time with her grandchildren, whereas Bruno’s meaningful life might involve his hobby train collection. For some pe…
2.13 Manage how you do and don’t want to be treated
…know that I missed a few appointments, which is why you’re in charge of my calendar now. I feel like I don’t really have a say in the schedule though….
2.12 Manage stigma from others
…help the other person’s understanding of dementia. You can discuss how the activity might be changed, or decide to select a different activity that bet…
2.11 Tell your employer
…e HR staff can help you understand your rights at work and help you talk to your manager. Depending on your work role, you may be able to continue work…
2.10 Tell other health professionals
…mething until you fully understand the other options and the possible consequences. This article has helpful tips on how to be assertive in talking to…
2.9 Telling friends and family
…el ready, tell other friends and extended family, and share the diagnosis with acquaintances you interact with socially such as at clubs or groups. Dec…
2.8 Share your diagnosis, your way
…gnosis can help your friends and family to understand what you are going through, and how they can better support you. Sharing helps explain changes in…
2.7 Family and friends’ reactions
…tia. Some family and friends become really upset at the news. Sometimes, people with dementia find this unhelpful because they don’t want sympathy or p…
2.6 Help for depression and anxiety
…people to avoid anxiety and depression. Research shows that talking therapies can improve mood of people with dementia. To get support for depression o…
2.5 Practice positive self-talk
…intelligence abilities and common sense. It is more accurate to think “My memory or thinking is worse because I have dementia”. When negative self-tal…
2.4 How you feel about yourself
…hings you do, your home and neighbourhood, and the people you spend time with all make you who you are. Call 1800 100 500. The free counsellors at Deme…
2.3 Support to adjust to diagnosis
…ple with dementia also find attending an education and support group, or an online support group really useful to learn more about dementia, share stor…
2.2 The idea of having dementia
…jor cause of disability and dependence globally, just like diabetes, or arthritis. It’s not something to be ashamed about. Dementia can happen to anyon…
2.1 Emotional reactions to having dementia
…el extremely distressed and upset. Some describe grief and loss. Some feel anger that this had happened to them. Others felt relief, they finally had a…
1.9 Your family’s risk of dementia
…ntia, will develop the condition in their 50s or 60s and this is called younger onset dementia. There is an increased likelihood that younger onset dem…
1.8 Progression of dementia
…n you’re giving up some independence, they might actually be helping you keep your independence. These services often help you to stay in your own home…
1.6 Bust dementia myths
…use tools (like pencil and paper) and get help when you need it. Myth: Nothing can be done for people with dementia Fact: There are many treatments an…
1.5 Find hope
…ome doctors, while kind and compassionate, give the impression that not much can be done for dementia. Their focus is on making the diagnosis and presc…
1.4 Learn from dementia experts
…pport groups and cafes, and attend their educational webinars. Do an online course about dementia Some people want more detailed information about de…
1.3 What to ask your doctor
…ighlight your strengths and weaknesses and the symptoms they think are significant. Your doctor can also give advice on how you can treat, compensate o…
1.2 Types of dementia
…n benefit from physiotherapy and exercise physiology to help improve movement. We don’t know what causes Lewy body dementia. Because of the similaritie…
1.1 Diagnosis is the first step in moving forward
…re is no correct order. Understanding the diagnosis: helps you to make sense of what you are going through. Coming to terms with dementia: feelings abo…