"Ageing well is about quality of life. Research holds the key to unlocking the possibilities of ageing well"

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What is dementia?

Dementia is a brain disorder characterised by a decline in several higher mental functions (e.g. memory, intellect, personality) that causes significant impairments in daily functioning that are apparent to others who know the affected person well. Most dementias are progressive and most are irreversible.

Up to 50 diseases affecting the brain can cause dementia, but the commonest causes are Alzheimer’s disease (a degenerative illness in which brain cells become disconnected and die), vascular disease (atherosclerosis of brain arteries leading to strokes), mixed Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease, dementia with Lewy bodies (a condition related to Parkinson’s disease), Frontotemporal dementia (caused by a number of degenerative diseases which mainly affect the front part of the brain) and dementia associated with excessive consumption of alcohol.

The prevalence of dementia rises with age, doubling every 5 years between the ages of 60 and 90.

In 2005 there were thought to be 200,000 Australians (1% of total population) affected by dementia, and that figure is expected to rise to 730,000 (2.8%) by 2050 when 25% or more of the Australian population will be aged 65 or older.

Common features of dementia include poor memory for recent events, disorientation in time and (later) in place, impaired ability to deal with everyday problems and to undertake routine tasks (e.g. driving, cooking, paying bills, doing housework) that were previously handled competently, impairments of communication skills (understanding language, speaking, writing), and changes in mood and personality.

Some dementias can be helped by specific drug treatment and most people with dementia and their families can benefit from the provision of information and practical assistance and support. Where dementia is suspected, a consultation with a general practitioner can provide an initial assessment and referral to specialist services as required.

The best public source for information about dementia in Australia is Alzheimer’s Australia, a government supported voluntary organisation (Tel. 1800 100 500 for the national helpline, website www.alzheimers.org.au where numerous helpful information sheets about all aspects of dementia are available for free download). Several NARI staff are closely involved in research to improve both our understanding of the causes of dementia and its current treatment and care.

NARI developed the Dementia Resource Guide for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, with the aim of improving the care and quality of life of people with dementia. The evidence-based guide contains information, resources, tools, guidelines and best practice principles for staff in community, residential and health care settings as well as carers and people with dementia. The Guide was developed through a comprehensive stocktake and evaluation of over 700 existing dementia related resources. Over 300 of these resources were selected for inclusion in the Guide.

Click here to access the online version of the Dementia Resource Guide.