Dementia

This section of the website contains information on dementia.

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to symptoms caused by changes in the functioning of the brain. These can include alterations in memory, personality and behaviour. A person with dementia may find it hard to do previously familiar tasks, such as writing, reading, showering and using numbers.

It is estimated that around 200,000¹ people in Australia have dementia. As Australia's population ages, more people will be affected by dementia.

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and there are many difference types of diseases and conditions that cause dementia like symptoms. After the age of 65, however, the likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia doubles every five years. People over the age of 85 years of age currently have a one in four chance of developing dementia.²

With the projected rise of Australia's aged population, it is estimated the number of people living with dementia will increase to almost 465,000 by 2031.³ Dementia is one of the major reasons why older people enter residential aged care or seek assistance from community care programs.

Dementia can also occur in younger people. The term Younger Onset Dementia (YOD) refers to people aged under 65 who are living with dementia. In Australia it is estimated that 9,600 people have YOD, which is projected to rise to 14,220 by the year 2020. ⁴

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1. Access Economics (2005) Dementia Estimates and Projections: Australian States and Territories. Alzheimer’s Australia, Canberra.

2. Access Economics (2005) Dementia Estimates and Projections: Australian States and Territories. Alzheimer’s Australia, Canberra.

3. Access Economics (2005) Dementia Estimates and Projections: Australian States and Territories. Alzheimer’s Australia, Canberra.

4. Access Economics (2005) Dementia Estimates and Projections: Australian States and Territories. Alzheimer’s Australia, Canberra.

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For more information and assistance

Ring…

National Dementia Helpline – 1800 500 100*
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres – 1800 052 222* during business hours or, for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, call 1800 059 059*
Aged Care Information Line - 1800 500 853
Centrelink - 13 27 17

Visit…

Aged Care Australia
Centrelink
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre

*Free local call. Calls from mobile and pay phones may incur extra charges.