Dementia

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.

There are many types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies. Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65.

Key Facts and Statistics 2017

• Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and there is no cure
• Dementia is the single greatest cause of disability in older Australians (aged 65 years or older) and the third leading cause of disability burden overall.
• By 2025, the total cost of dementia is predicted to increase to $18.7 billion in today’s dollars, and by 2056, to over $36.8 billion, which represents a 2.6 fold increase in costs from 2016.
• The lifestyle risk and protective factors for dementia offer very real opportunities for prevention programs that reduce the number of Australians developing dementia each year.

Resources

• Dementia Australia – Dementia in my Family – Know someone with dementia? This site is for you. For all different age groups including adults.
• Dementia Australia NSW – The Dementia Australia NSW website provides information on numerous aspects of living with dementia, fact sheets and cultural diverse information.
• Dementia Australia – Free Dementia Kit – Dementia Australia provides a no cost and no obligation Dementia Kit from the National Dementia Helpline.
• Dementia Australia – Information in other languages – Dementia does not only affect the English speaking population. Alzheimer’s Australia is committed to helping people from culturally and linguistically diverse population and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and has translated resources to meet the linguistic needs of the community.
• Dementia Australia – Creating Dementia Friendly Communities  pdfCommunity Tool Kit (301 KB) and  pdfBusiness Tool Kit (287 KB)
• Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services (DBMAS) – DBMAS is a nationwide network of services funded by the Australian Government to provide individualised support for the carers of people living with dementia whose behavioural and psychological needs are rapidly changing and impacting on the person’s care and quality of life. For more information visit the DBMAS website.
• Driving and Dementia – a decision aidDriving and Dementia – a decision aid – The decision on when to stop driving after a diagnosis of dementia is often difficult on numerous levels. The University of Wollongong has developed a Dementia and Driving Decision Aid to assist with this process. Dementia Australia NSW also the licensing requirements around driving after a diagnosis. This information can be accessed here.
• At home with dementia – A manual for people with dementia and their carers  – This resource was developed by NSW Government Department Family and Community Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care