Dementia

Memory loss

Memory loss is a symptom where a person experiences an abnormal level of forgetfulness and inability to recall past events in their life. This usually is a consequence of damage to the brain that may have been caused by disease, injury or excessive emotional stress. Not all memory problems signify dementia or Alzheimer's disease – memory impairment can be caused by many medical conditions.

For more information, see Memory Loss.

Alzheimer's disease

Dementia affects about 160,000 Australians. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 50–75% of cases. It occurs most commonly in the elderly. Progressive deterioration in cognitive function, memory loss and behavioural changes occurrs in the early stages.

For more information, see Alzheimer's Disease.

Animation: Alzheimer's disease

The healthy brain is made up of millions of interconnecting neurons communicating with each other. The brain of a patient with Alzheimer's disease is much different.

Watch an animation about Alzheimer's disease.

Vascular dementia (multi-infarct dementia)

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. In vascular dementia, very small blood vessels are blocked, resulting in the death of small areas of brain tissue on the cerebral cortex. As this area is responsible for higher thought processes, small areas of damage result in the disordered thought seen in vascular dementia.

For more information, see Vascular Dementia (Multi-Infarct Dementia).

Lewy body dementia

Dementia with Lewy bodies, the third most frequent cause of dementia in older adults, is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with abnormal structures (Lewy bodies) found in certain areas of the brain. In addition to dementia, patients with Lewy body dementia experience hallucinations, motor impairment, and fluctuating alertness.

For more information, see Lewy Body Dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia (Pick's disease)

Frontotemporal dementia (Pick's disease) is a form of dementia characterised by gradually worsening decline of mental abilities, often affecting a person's ability to use and understand spoken and written language. It makes up about 2–3% of all cases of dementia.

For more information, see Frontotemporal Dementia (Pick's Disease).

Dementia videos

Memory disturbances

Dr Karyn Boundy discusses the causes, symptoms, testing and possible treatments of memory problems.

Watch a video about memory disturbances.

Preventing dementia

An epidemic of dementia is occurring in Australia and around the world. Professor Craig Anderson explores the link between vascular risk factors and dementia.

Watch a video about preventing dementia.

Ten for ten for life

Physical activity is beneficial to mental and physical health and an important part of improving the quality of life for people with dementia. Ten for Ten for Life is a set of 10 exercises that can be done in 10 minutes, either daily or 3–4 times a week.

Watch a video about Ten for Ten for Life.

Memory matters

This video provides a basic understanding of Alzheimer's disease and examines the ways it affects people living with or caring for those affected by it. It offers practical advice on dealing with everyday life to make living with Alzheimer's disease more manageable.

Watch a video about memory matters.

Caring for the carer

Caring for a person with Alzheimers disease is often a heroic task that demands a great deal of adjustment, patience and understanding.

Watch a video about caring for the carer.

Dementia tools

Mini-cog
The Mini-Cog is a 3 minute test which can be used to discriminate between demented and non-demented persons.

Dementia Benchmark Checklist

Once this checklist is completed the scores will establish a benchmark for all subsequent checklists. Ideally, these should be completed every 6 months.

Click here to complete the Dementia Benchmark Checklist

Information for carers of dementia patients

As an individual's dementia worsens, he or she will need more care and assistance. Consequently, many people with dementia live in professional aged care facilities. If you are caring for someone with dementia, you may find these tips useful.

For more information, see Information for Carers of Dementia Patients.

Transition of patients with dementia into an aged care home

As dementia progresses, so too does the level of assistance a loved one requires. Placement into an aged care home is often necessary. The decision to place a loved one with dementia into an aged care home is one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. It is a life event of enormous significance.

For more information, see Transition of Patients with Dementia into an Aged Care Home.

Supportive care

Alzheimer's Australia

Alzheimer's Australia is the peak body providing support and advocacy for the 500,000 Australians living with dementia. State and territory Alzheimer's Associations were originally established as self help organisations by family carers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

For more information on this group, see Alzheimer's Australia.