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Information Sheet 22 - Help for people living with Dementia

Information about signs, diagnosis and where to get help, for carers and people who have dementia.

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What is dementia?

Dementia is a broad term used to describe memory loss along with changes to thinking ability, social skills and emotional responses. It is caused by deterioration in several areas of the brain.

A person with dementia may find it harder to do previously familiar tasks, such as writing, reading, showering and using numbers.

The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, the cause of which is unknown. Although Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of ageing, it is more common in older people and may affect about one in four people over the age of 85. Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, associated with problems in the flow of blood to the brain.

What are the early signs of dementia?

Dementia can happen to anyone. One of the first signs that a person may have dementia is memory loss. Due to changes in the brain, memory loss in dementia gets worse and happens more often, not just sometimes.

People with early dementia may:

• find it harder to remember people and events, especially recent events;
• find it harder to perform familiar tasks;
• be confused about time and place;
• be unable to say what they think;
• have problems understanding what others are saying;
• misplace things;
• have less ‘get up and go’; and
• find it hard to manage money.

As there are many conditions that have similar early signs to those of dementia, it is important to visit a doctor to find out what is causing the memory loss or other problems.
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What happens when someone has dementia?

The brain controls all that a person does and says. When someone has dementia, sections of the brain gradually become damaged and stop working properly, affecting what that person does and says. This means that a person with dementia will often have trouble speaking, understanding and remembering.

It may also change their behaviour. A person with dementia may:

• be unable to do everyday tasks such as eating, dressing or driving;
• display strange or uncharacteristic behaviours;
• become easily upset or confused;
• be unusually aggressive or suspicious;
• jumble and confuse their words; and/or
• gradually lose their ability to communicate through written language.

What help is available for a person with dementia?

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis of dementia. They also have to find out whether the person has Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia. There is a possibility that the signs of dementia could be the result of depression, medication or some other treatable cause. A series of tests have to be undertaken before a doctor can diagnose dementia.

After a person has been diagnosed with dementia, they or their family and friends can seek help from the sources listed here.

Alzheimer’s Australia is funded by the Australian Government to provide:

• information and education on dementia;
• the Living with Memory Loss program, for people in the early stages of dementia and their carers; and
• counselling and other support services.

For further information about these services contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500* or Alzheimers Australia website at www.alzheimers.org.au

What about people who care for someone with dementia?

People with dementia often need strong support from their carers, family and friends. These people need support as well. They might need to:

• understand dementia better;
• learn how to respond to changes in behaviour;
• know what financial and/or legal help is available;
• explore care options for the person with dementia; and
• help prepare for the future.

It is important to understand that if the behaviour of the person with dementia changes, it is not anyone’s fault but is the result of damage to the brain.

Carers Australia represents carers of people with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or those who are frail aged by providing information, support, education, training and counselling.

For information on aged care call 1800 200 422*. This number can provide information on a range of aged care services available nationally and in your local region. Coordination and advice can also be provided to access respite services, counselling and emotional support for carers.

Centrelink can provide information on financial help for carers, on 13 27 17* or 13 12 02* (for Multilingual Information).

Solicitors, State or Territory guardianship authorities, public advocate or public trustees’ offices can provide information about legal matters regarding power of attorney or guardianship issues.
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Improving the lives of people with dementia

The Australian Government recognises that dementia is a significant health concern and funds a number of support services aimed at improving the care and support available to people with dementia, including support for research and innovations, prevention, early intervention programs and support for training and education. For further information about these services go to the Department of Health and Ageing website at www.health.gov.au/dementia

Where can you find further information?

For Information on aged care call 1800 200 422*, or visit the Aged Care Australia website at www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au
On 20 April 2012, the Government announced additional support for people with dementia as part of the Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package which includes $268.4 million over five years to tackle dementia from when people first approach their GP with the early signs of dementia through to when they need a very high level of aged care.

HealthInsite

Health Insite website at www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Dementia

Alzheimer's Australia

The National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500* the Alzheimers Australia website at www.alzheimers.org.au

Centrelink

For financial assistance for carers phone 13 27 17* or for multilingual information phone 13 12 02* the Centrelink website at www.centrelink.gov.au

*Cost of phone calls

• Calls to 1800 numbers are generally free to the caller when made from a land line.
• Calls to 13 or 1300 numbers are charged at a low fixed amount to the caller when made from a land line.
• All calls made from mobile phones are charged at the rates applicable to each phone provider.
• All calls made from public phones are charged at the rates applicable to each phone provider.

All information in this publication is correct as at September 2012

Disclaimer: This document is only a guide to the Government’s law and policies, and cannot take account of individual circumstances. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing recommends that you seek appropriate professional advice relevant to your particular situation.

D0943 September 2012
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