Website update! Support and services for dementia can still be found on this website.
It has recently been updated to include services and resources to support healthy ageing.

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Learn about dementia

Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It isn't 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. It's not a normal part of ageing.

Understanding dementia

The Dementia Guide

An important resource for any person impacted by any form of dementia, of any age. This guide can help you learn about dementia and the treatments, support and services available. You can also order a free paperback version to be delivered to your home.

What are the early signs of dementia?

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 often lead active and fulfilling lives for many years after their diagnosis.

Some of the more common symptoms and signs include:

  • progressive and frequent memory loss
  • confusion and difficulty thinking, understanding and concentrating
  • changed behaviours, such as agitation and depression
  • apathy and withdrawal
  • impairment of perception
  • communication difficulties affecting reading, writing and speech
  • reduced ability to perform activities of daily living.

Worried about your memory?

Read this guide to understanding memory loss and early signs of dementia.

Diagnosing dementia

This help sheet provides information about the early signs of dementia, the techniques used to diagnose dementia and the importance of an early and correct diagnosis.

Understanding the different types 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.

A summary of the different types of dementia

A resource outlining the different types of dementia and what they might mean for you.

Alzheimer’s disease

Information about Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

Vascular dementia

Information about vascular dementia, which is widely considered the second most common cause of dementia.

Lewy body disease

Information about Lewy body dementia (LBD), a type of progressive dementia.

The Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) e-learning toolkit

Essential resources for awareness, diagnosis and management of frontotemporal dementia.

Huntington’s disease

Information about Huntington’s disease (HD), a genetic neurodegenerative disease and a type of dementia.

Parkinson’s disease dementia

Information about Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological condition characterised by movement and no-movement symptoms.

Living well with dementia

A website inspiring people with dementia to live a high quality life. The site encourages you to discover new hobbies and activities and continue participating in the activities you love.

Dementia Australia National Library

A selection of dementia related library books and information you can borrow or view as an ebook.

Dementia training for carers, families and health workers

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.

Online dementia courses for individuals and organisations

Free online dementia courses, tailored training, workshops, and events.

Wicking Dementia Centre – MOOC dementia

This centre is at the forefront of translational research and support for people with dementia and their carers. You can access online free and paid courses.

Centre for Dementia Learning

A centre providing a range of nationally accredited courses and award-winning professional dementia education.

Dementia in My Family

This website is full of colourful, interactive and age-appropriate content for children and teenagers who know someone with dementia. It provides education about dementia using videos, games and quizzes as well as sharing experiences of other young people in similar circumstances.

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.