Dementia in Australia

A diagnosis of dementia impacts the affected person, as well as their friends and families. When Carrie's husband was diagnosed with younger onset frontotemporal dementia, she became his carer while also raising their young children.

Dementia has a deep impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. After Len was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Len and his partner Sue returned to their family and community in a remote part of Australia.

Living with the early stages of dementia can be challenging. After being diagnosed with Lewy body disease, Martina needed to access home-based support services to help her with daily living, and health services to manage her symptoms.

Although not as common, dementia also impacts young people. Lucy shares how she is able to continue doing what she enjoys, like studying and being creative, after being diagnosed with a rare genetic form of dementia.

Many people with dementia prefer to live independently in the community. Jim has Alzheimer’s disease and lives at home on his own. When his area went into lockdown due to COVID-19, Jim's family made sure he kept busy during lockdown.