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PDF printable version of “Memory Van” Highlights Important Dementia Services in WA (PDF 27 KB)

23 April 2009

The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today visited Alzheimer's Australia WA (AAWA) and inspected the organisation’s mobile testing “Memory Van” in Perth – to help boost awareness of the illness.

The Memory Van is an innovative mobile service that takes dementia testing and memory training services – on the road – to regional communities and suburban areas.

Currently, there are about 20,000 people in Western Australia living with dementia and more than 200,000 nationally (Access Economics, Dementia Estimates and Projections: Western Australia and its Regions, 2005). This national figure is expected to rise to nearly 465,000 people nation-wide by the year 2031. (Dementia in Australia, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007).

Mrs Elliot said: “Alzheimer's Australia WA has provided invaluable information, education and support services to people throughout the State with dementia and their families for more than 25 years.”

“The Memory Van is an excellent example of how organisations like AAWA provide informative services that are helping Western Australians learn about dementia and improve diagnosis as well as educating the community,” Mrs Elliot said.

The Memory Van offers:

• Free word recall/recognition memory testing;
• A demonstration and trial of the Posit Science Brain Training Program;
• Information about the seven lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of dementia;
• A range of brochures and information on dementia and Alzheimer's Australia WA services; and
• Access to web-based dementia information.

The van is run by Alzheimer's Australia WA staff who are available to answer questions about memory concerns and provide information on available support services – if necessary.

In addition, the Australian Government funds the AAWA’s Dementia and Memory Community Centre at its Shenton Park premises. This centre offers services and activities for people wanting to find out about memory loss, ageing and what they may do to reduce the risk of developing dementia.

The Government is committed to supporting efforts to better understand the causes of dementia and working to support both people living with dementia and their carers.

AAWA has also been funded by the Australian Government since 2007 to manage and deliver the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service throughout the state.


The Government committed $2.44 million towards the roll out of the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service in WA. This is an important program that works to improve the quality of care for people with dementia and their carers where the behaviour of the person with dementia impacts on their care.

The Australian Government’s National Dementia Support Program funding totals more than $18 million nationally for the period April 2007 to 30 June 2009.

Alzheimer's Australia Western Australia receives more than $1.5 million under this program for state-specific activities, including the operation of the Memory Van and the Dementia and Memory Community Centre.
Alzheimer's Australia WA was founded in 1982 by carers of people with dementia. It is the state’s peak body providing information, support, advocacy and education for people with dementia.

Alzheimer's Australia WA offers a range of services to people with dementia and their carers, including a variety of respite services, support services, education and training for carers and care workers and information through its specialised resource centre.

Nationally, more than $120 million a year is provided by the Australian Government through the Dementia Initiative.

This includes:

• $90 million a year for Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia Packages that provide services to people with dementia in their own homes;
• $24 million a year for dementia research, prevention, early intervention and improved care initiatives, including research grants offered through the National Health and Medical Research Council and funding for three Dementia Collaborative Research Centres; and
• $7 million for training for aged and community care staff, carers and community workers including police.

To contact The Memory Van please call 1800 100 500 (during office hours).

For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on (02) 6277 7280