Better health and ageing for all Australians

Dementia

This section of the website contains information on dementia.

In this section:

‘Know the Signs’ of Dementia

On the 14 January 2011, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing the Hon Mark Butler MP launched a series of communication and education resources as part of the ‘Know the Signs’ Project. For more information or to find out how to order copies of the materials view the page Recognising the signs of dementia and what to do when you see them?

Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services (DBMAS)

People with dementia, may present with behaviours that can cause stress to both the person with dementia and those who are caring for them.

If you are caring for a person whose behaviours are causing concern, you may wish to contact the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services (DBMAS) program. The service is available in each State and Territory and each team has clinicians who can offer specialist support services, advice and information.

For further information view the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services (DBMAS) section.

Dementia Community Support Grants – Round Four

On 9 December 2010, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler MP announced $1.5 million for the commencement of the Dementia Community Support Grants – Round Four.

The Program provides funding for local community projects to improve dementia literacy, encourage innovation in the dementia care sector, bridge social gaps and encourage the social participation of people with dementia, their families and carers across Australia.

Since 2006, the Dementia Community Support Grants Program has provided approximately $7.8 million in funding for over 190 community projects.

These Grants are for up to 12 months in duration with funding of up to $50,000 per Grant.

In May 2011, funding offers for 34 projects with 32 organisations were issued as part of round four of the Dementia Community Support Grants Program.

For more information on these projects and to find out more about previous grant rounds view Dementia Community Support Grants Program.

Dementia Services Pathways Framework

The Dementia Services Pathways Framework aimed to map service pathways for people living with dementia, from early diagnosis to palliation. The target group for the Framework is Australian and state and territory governments, people living with dementia, their families and carers.

For more information on the Framework, including a link to the Final Report view Dementia Services Pathways - an essential guide to Effective Service Planning.

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 250,0001 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 different 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 591,000 by 2030.3 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

1. Access Economics (August 2009) ’Keeping Dementia Front of Mind: Incidence and Prevalence 2009-2050'. Access Ecomomics, Canberra.

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

3. Access Economics (August 2009) ’Keeping Dementia Front of Mind: Incidence and Prevalence 2009-2050'. Access Ecomomics, 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 100 500*
For Aged Care Information - 1800 200 422
Centrelink - 13 27 17
*Free local call. Calls from mobile and pay phones may incur extra charges.

Visit…

Aged Care Australia
Centrelink