What is Dementia?
Dementia impacts close to half a million Australians and almost 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care. The number of people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years.
Only a doctor can diagnose dementia. Dementia is a general term to describe problems with progressive changes in memory, thinking and behaviour. Dementia can happen to anybody, but it becomes more common over the age of 65, and especially over the age of 75 but is not a normal part of the ageing process. It remains the number one cause of disability in Australians aged over 65 years and the second biggest cause of death overall. People living with dementia can live active and fulfilling lives many years after diagnosis, but the quality of life can be impacted by the physical effects of the disease and the way society responds.
Understanding dementia and its causes, consequences and care options can help promote appropriate support to enhance quality of life.
- Dementia Australia has online educational resources for people living with dementia, family friends and carers.
- Dementia Australia help sheets are available to read, download and print as PDF files here
- To receive a free dementia information toolkit via email, click here and provide your details.
- To access education programs on offer, click here.
- In 2023 Dementia Australia launched a series of videos about Dementia including personal experiences, diagnosis and support. To view the campaign, click here
Dementia Action Week 2026
Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, but it’s not talked about nearly enough. This Dementia Action Week, we’re asking every Australian to help change that, one conversation at a time.
Understanding Dementia: Staying Connected, Supported and Included
Join us for an informative and engaging session exploring dementia, what it means for individuals and families, and how we can better understand, support and stay connected with people living with dementia.
Hear from health and dementia professionals about understanding dementia, recognising early signs, navigating support and services, communicating effectively, supporting carers, and reducing stigma and isolation.
Come along to learn, ask questions and discover practical ways to support yourself, a loved one or someone in your
community.
Hear from:
Dr Gim Teoh, Geriatrician
Helen Hislop, Acting Operations Manager, Aged Health, Sydney Local Health District.
Anne Tunks, (Concord Hospital) Dementia Advisor
When: 14 September
What Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm
Where: Summer Hill Community Centre, 131 Smith Street, Summer Hill 2130
Cost: Free! Morning tea provided
Join us at the Brain and Mind Centre for a morning tea hosted by the Sydney Dementia Network, as we come together to mark Dementia Action Week and Dementia Awareness Month.
This community event provides an opportunity for members of the public, students, clinicians and researchers to connect, share experiences and exchange resources in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Over morning tea, guests will have the chance engage in meaningful conversations with others who are passionate about improving outcomes for people affected by dementia.
Whether you are interested in dementia research, clinical care, advocacy or community support, this event offers a valuable opportunity to build connections, increase awareness and strengthen collaboration across the local community.
When: 18 September
What Time: 10am - 12pm
Where: Brain and Mind Centre Courtyard, Outside the main entrance 94 Mallett St, Camperdown NSW 2050
Cost: Free! Morning tea provided
Register: BMC Dementia Awareness Month Morning Tea registration form
Healthy Habits, Healthy Brain: Helen Hislop, SLHD
This presentation will explore what dementia is, common signs and symptoms, and how it differs from normal ageing. It emphasises that dementia is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms affecting thinking, memory and behaviour. Importantly, this session will highlight that there are practical steps people can take to support brain health, alongside the importance of early conversations with a GP if concerns arise and accessing available support services.
Key takeaway:
There are many actions you can take to support brain health — and speaking to a GP early is key if you notice changes.
When: 23 September 2026
What Time: 1pm - 2pm
Where: Hannaford Community Centre, 608 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039
Cost: Free!
Register: Healthy Habits, Healthy Brain Talk
Join us to hear updates on some of the latest findings from FRONTIER's research in FTD and talks from key services in the space of carer wellbeing and dementia care.
When: Wednesday 30 September
What Time: 9am - 3pm
Where: Room M02F - Level 5 Brain and Mind Centre University of Sydney 94 Mallet Street CAMPERDOWN 2050
Cost: Free
Dementia Action Week 2025
Dementia Action Week: Healthy Habits for Your Brain
With Dr Carol Dobstone -Stone & Dr Pradeep Manuneedhi Cholan
Balmain Library, 17 September 2025
Helpful Links
Can we slow the rate of cognitive decline to avoid dementia? The Spencer-Bennett NeuroMusic Collaborative aims to find out. This philanthropic gift from Barbara Spencer has enabled psychologists, bioengineers, musicians, imaging experts and neurologists to collaborate on a ground-breaking research program. This study will test whether music training is a successful intervention for people experiencing memory difficulties. Click here to find out more. If you would like to participate in this ground-breaking study, please visit ‘Are you eligible to participate?‘ or contact us at neuromusic.info@sydney.edu.au or 9351 0755.
The Forward with Dementia website provides up-to-date information from clinicians and researchers, practical suggestions and stories from people with dementia and carers, and tools to help people manage living with dementia. The website is the result of a collaboration between the University of NSW and the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing. Within the website there are downloadable resources, stories from carers or people living with dementia, and latest news.
It is always recommended you speak to a GP if you have concerns and they may refer you to a specialist Geriatrician. If you have a diagnosis other key phone numbers include:
Baptist Care
Dementia advisors (PDF, 1.45MB) provide free support to people living with dementia and their carers. For new clients, please contact us on 1300 275 227 or email ask@baptistcare.org.au This service is funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative providing a range of free in-person, online and phone-based support and services to unpaid carers.
Carer Gateway supports carers with a range of tailored supports and services to help them manage their daily challenges, reduce stress and plan for the future. The services focus on providing carers with access to early-intervention, preventative and skill building supports to improve well-being and long-term outcomes.
The Carer Gateway website offers a range of support resources including free phone counselling, online peer support, self-guided coaching, and practical educational resources. These supports aim to improve carer wellbeing, skills and knowledge. Further support is offered through the local Carer Gateway service provider (The Benevolent Society in NSW).
This includes:
• carer needs discussion and support planning
• in-person and phone-based counselling
• in-person peer support groups and coaching
• tailored support packages (including planned respite)
• emergency respite
• information and advice
• assistance with navigating relevant, local services available to carers through federal, state and local government and non-government providers, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care.
Learn more and register at www.carergateway.gov.au or you can phone 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.
My Dementia Companion
My Dementia Companion is now fully funded by Carer Gateway Benevolent Society in Sydney. My Dementia Companion is Australia’s only digital care companion, guiding carers step-by-step with personalised, practical information and support throughout the dementia journey. Learn more here
Here’s what this means for carers:
Why: Carer Gateway recognises the need for carers impacted by dementia to feel empowered, cope with challenges, and access timely support. They see My Dementia Companion as a unique solution to fill this gap.
What: Following a Carer Gateway assessment and referral, carers (including those on CHSP) can now access My Dementia Companion fully funded for 6 years – with no out-of-pocket cost.
Where: Available across Central & Eastern Sydney, Inner West Sydney, Western Sydney, and North Sydney [See map here]
How: Carers can access My Dementia Companion (and other services) by contacting Carer Gateway and following these 3 simple steps
We’d love your support in spreading this good news so more carers can benefit. Resources, such as flyers and videos, are available to share. More about My Dementia Companion – videos, demos, and funding options under HCP & NDIS. Follow My Dementia Companion on Facebook.
Dementia Australia
The National Dementia Helpline free call on 1800 100 500 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Webchat: dementia.org.au/helpline/webchat
Email: helpline@dementia.org.au
If you require the assistance of an interpreter, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, please call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
Face Dementia
The Face Dementia website is a resource to help you learn about the signs, recognise them in yourself or others, and start a conversation about visiting a GP to get help. Click here.
LGBTQ+ People and Dementia
This guide was prepared by Dementia Australia for LGBTQ+ people living with dementia, their families, friends and care partners. This guide is based on discussions, consultations and input from LGBTI people. Click here for more information.
Sydney Local Health District
Aged Health Medical Specialist, 8am - 8pm, Monday to Sunday. Phone: 1800 722 276
My Aged Care
A gateway to help at home and to live independently in the community. For assessment and referrals -Phone: 1800 200 422
Day Centres
Mindful Dementia Care (MDC) - 3Bridges - Ashfield
A person-centred, comprehensive and integrated dementia care program offering practical, emotional and social support to people living with mild to moderate dementia (over65years of age) and their family carers. Family carers can participate in the program in the form of information sessions, discussion groups or seek assistance in managing practical, emotional and social aspects of dementia care. Various social activities/ events are available for both, the person living with dementia and their family carers. To find out more contact 3 Bridges on 1300 327 434 or download a flyer here
The centre is open from Monday – Friday
Attendance: 10am – 2pm
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Kalparrin Dementia Day Centre
Respite care 7 days per week for people who have moderate to severe dementia and carer support. Phone: (02)9743 6549
Web: www.yourcare.org/supplier/profile/kalparrin-day-care-centre-inner-west
Lucan Care Community Centre Day centre
Services for frail older people and people with dementia. Multicultural groups (Italian, Greek and Russian) and carer support including transport. Phone: (02)9564 2022 Web: www.unitingcare.org.au
Address: 158 Lilyfield Road Lilyfield
Group Homes Australia
Group Homes Australia do dementia differently. Fuelled by a deep sense of purpose, their philosophy revolves around creating small, intimate environments that feel just like home and are integrated within local communities. The GHA team work tirelessly to ensure that each and every person can cherish life’s moments and live well with dementia. GHA provides 24/7 dementia care in their Sydney-based homes with personalised R&R short stays (respite), long-term stays and end of life care. With a mission to change the conversation around dementia, GHA also hold regular in-house and community education sessions, that are aimed at supporting people living with dementia and their families and friends, sharing innovative strategies and tools to improve quality of life beyond a diagnosis. Their 5-day live in Dementia Together Retreats are funded by the Australian Government, providing people in the early stages of dementia and their support partners hope beyond their diagnosis, with education, tool and strategies, along with the opportunity to connect with others in a supportive and caring environment, both at the retreat and into the future.
Click here for more information
Learn more by phoning 1300 015 406.
Inner West Neighbour Aid - Living Well with Dementia Program (LWWD)
A series of workshops presented by Inner West Neighbour Aid (IWNA) held at the 5 Senses Garden on the first and third Thursday of the month 11am-1pm. For people living with Dementia and their carers. For more information contact IWNA on (02) 9799 5099 or email: emel@iwna.com.au
Decafé at Adri's Cocina DeCafe Leichhardt
3/23 Norton Street Leichhardt
Tuesdays, 10.30am-12pm
Uniting’s DeCafé Dementia support group offers a safe space at local cafés for a few hours each month, so people living with dementia, and their carers and friends, can meet up, chat with professionals and each other. A gold coin donation for the coffee and cake.
DeCaf Community Social - Deniston
First Wednesday of each month at Deniston Sports Club at 11am. A regular social for people living with dementia and their family carers. Join us for an opportunity to enjoy company, relax, and discover ways to live well with dementia. Gold Coin entry. Address: 59 Chatham Rd, Deniston. For more information phone Debbie on: 0449 546 771 or email: rydecaf@gmail.com
Male Carers of People with Dementia - Five Dock
Are you aware that there is a support group specifically for male carers of people with dementia? The group meets each month on a Friday afternoon at the Briars Club in Concord to discuss the issues involved in caring for a partner, parent, relative or friend with dementia and how to cope with the stresses involved. Sometimes it does help to get the support of other men who may be grappling with similar issues. The group is facilitated by the wonderful Anne Tunks (Psychologist - Dementia Counselling and Support). If you would like to come along and "try out" the group (or know someone who might benefit) and perhaps get some very helpful information relevant to your role as a family carer, you are welcome to attend. Please don't hesitate to contact Anne Tunks if you have any questions or would like to join ph: 9767 5953 - Anne.Tunks@health.nsw.gov.au
Do you have dementia and interested in making the inner west more dementia friendly? Inner West Council has collaborated with other organisations and community members to form a Dementia Alliance Working Group, supported by Dementia Australia. Our action plan has a series of goals with specific actions based on a community forum held in 2021 and includes: awareness raising, the built environment, carer support and so much more. Our Alliance is interested to speak to you so please contact Mark Jones on (02) 9392 5844 or email mark.jones@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Inner West Region Dementia Friendly Community Alliance Action Plan 2022 (PDF, 119.23KB)
Inner West Region Dementia Friendly Community Alliance Terms of Reference (PDF, 243.95KB)
To get the support you need contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. In Sydney the Benevolent Society is the provider of the Gateway on behalf of the Government and support includes counselling, connecting with others via support groups or joining online, coaching, education and referrals.
Grandparent advisers provide extra support for non-parent carers, including grandparents, foster carers and kinship carers who have taken on parental responsibilities for children. They can help you by:
- providing tailored information about payments and support services based on your family circumstances
- arranging appointments for grandparent carers and non-parent carers with specialist staff, including social workers
- arranging referrals to federal, state and community service providers, and
- helping with any other Medicare, Centrelink or Child Support enquiries.
For more information about assistance available for grandparents, and non-parent carers, go to:
To speak to a Grandparent Adviser, call Free call 1800 245 965
Creating Dementia-friendly Communities - Community Toolkit. Developed in 2014 utilising a range of international resources on dementia-friendly communities and age-friendly communities. This toolkit has been updated and reflects the 2018 Dementia-friendly Communities program. Click here (PDF, 823.38KB)to download PDF
Alzheimer's Disease International - The global voice on dementia. Supports and works with Alzheimer and dementia associations in 120 countries, as well as people living with dementia, carers and all relevant organisations to help raise awareness, challenge stigma and to call for dementia to be the global health priority it needs to be: Home | Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) (alzint.org)
Wicking Dementia Centre, University of Tasmania - The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre is at the forefront of translational research and support for issues confronting people with dementia and their carers. Projects are being carried out in Tasmania and nationally, across research fields such as neuroscience, medicine, nursing, psychology and sociology, health, economics and policy: Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre | Study Now | UTAS
The Understanding Dementia MOOC (massive open online course) brings together the experience, knowledge and understandings of experts in the field of dementia, including neuroscientists, clinicians, carers and people with dementia, providing a multi-faceted approach to this complex and often challenging condition. Importantly, this course aims to provide you with the crucial links between the biology of the diseases that cause dementia, the symptoms that arise as a result, and the ways that we can use these understandings to provide better support and care for people with dementia, their families and carers. Click here to find out more about The Understanding Dementia MOOC
Before Dementia: 20 Questions You Need to Ask by Dr Kate Gregorevic - ISBN: 9781460714546
The Alzheimer's Solution: A Breakthrough Program to Prevent and Reverse the Symptoms of Cognitive Decline at Every Age by Dean Sherzai, Ayesha Sherzai - ISBN: 9780062666482
Save Your Brain by Ginni Mansberg - ISBN: 9781004117925