Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease.
Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with a person's normal social or working life.
Dementia can happen to anyone and the risk of dementia increases with age. Most people with dementia are older, but not all older people develop dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.
A resource for any person, of any age, impacted by any form of dementia. Learn about dementia and the treatments, support and services available.
The early signs of dementia are very subtle and vague. Symptoms also vary depending on the type of dementia each person has.
Dementia is generally progressive, where symptoms begin slowly and gradually worsen over time.
It is important to remember that no two people experience dementia in the same way.
People can lead active and fulfilling lives for many years after their diagnosis.
Download this help sheet which provides information about the early signs of dementia, the techniques used to diagnose dementia and the importance of an early and correct diagnosis.
Download this guide to understanding memory loss and early signs of dementia.
There are many types of dementia. The varying forms of dementia impact the brain differently, which means the experience of dementia is highly individual but has similar themes across the same forms.
It's important to identify the form of dementia you or someone you care for may be experiencing, as that will help with setting goals for the future and understanding changing behaviours.
Visit this website for a summary of the different types of dementia.
Dementia Australia National Library: a selection of dementia related library books and information you can borrow or view as an ebook.
Types of dementia
Alzheimer’s disease
Vascular dementia
Lewy body disease
Frontotemporal dementia
Huntington’s disease
Parkinson’s disease dementia
There are many education training resources available to assist in learning about dementia. Browse the websites below to access online or face-to-face training.
An App for carers, families and careworkers that provides information and support for people in their role of caring for persons with behavioural changes that can occur in dementia.
An app developed to provide guidance for clinicians in their role of assisting residential aged care facility staff, community care staff and family members caring for persons living with dementia, who present with behavioural and psychological symptoms.
A centre providing a range of nationally accredited courses and award-winning professional dementia education.
This centre is at the forefront of translational research and support for people with dementia and their carers. You can access free and paid courses online.
Free online dementia courses, tailored training, workshops, and events.
A website inspiring people with dementia to live a high quality life.
This website is full of colourful, interactive and age-appropriate content for children and teenagers who know someone with dementia.
Learn about dementia
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
We would like to express our gratitude to all the healthy ageing advocates, including people living with dementia, older people, families, carers and health professionals, who contributed to the development of this portal. Thank you for sharing your stories and transferring your knowledge to make this portal purposeful and meaningful to support people in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region.