Dementia - an overview
Dementia is a brain condition that can affect your memory, thinking and behaviour. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and prevention of dementia.
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Dementia
Dementia is a group of conditions that gradually affect brain function. Common signs of dementia include memory loss, misplacing things and difficulty doing familiar tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is more common in older people, but people under 65 years of age can develop younger onset dementia.
You can take steps to lower your risk of dementia at any age — it's never too early or too late to do so. Support is available for people with dementia and their carers. If you notice any symptoms, see your doctor. You can also call the National Dementia Hotline on 1800 100 500 for advice.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects your memory and behaviour. Learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Dementia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Dementia has an earlier age of onset in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples than in non-Indigenous Australians. Learn the signs of dementia.
Dementia and driving
Dementia can make driving unsafe because it affects your reaction time and ability to judge distances. Learn about when you may need to stop driving.
Frontotemporal dementia
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the parts of your brain that control behaviour and language. Learn about the symptoms and management of FTD.
How to care for someone with dementia at home
Many people care for a loved one with dementia at home. This guide covers daily care, safety, behaviour changes, sleep, and how to seek more support.
Lewy body dementias
Lewy body dementias are caused by protein build-ups in the brain that affect brain function. Read more about the symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Living well with dementia after diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult. Over time, dementia can make it hard to do everyday tasks. Find out what you can do to live well.
Tests used in diagnosing dementia
Find out more about the tests doctors use to diagnose dementia. Learn about physical and neurological examinations, cognitive tests, x-rays and scans.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is the most preventable form of dementia. Learn how to protect your blood vessels and circulation to lower your risk.
Younger onset dementia
Younger onset dementia is the name given to dementia in people aged under 65 years. Learn what you need to think about with early onset dementia.