Dementia support

Parkinson’s related dementia – a chronic, progressive neurological condition, which in later stages can affect cognitive functioning

Frontotemporal dementia – a disorder causing damage to brain cells in the frontal and temporal lobes, resulting in decline in social skills and emotional apathy. Behaviour and personality changes often occur before memory loss and speech problems

The early signs of dementia may include memory loss – particularly recent memories or experiences, confusion with time or place, changes in mood and personality, difficulty with planning or problem solving, and difficulty in completing familiar tasks.

Dementia can happen to anybody but is much more common after the age of 65. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.

Dementia and aged care

For people with dementia, their memory loss affects their adjustment to new places and persons.

The move to residential care should be considered before a crisis forces a more urgent response.

Good care depends on how well the care facility responds to the residents’ individual needs, including their physical, social, and mental wellbeing.

Where can I get help?

Support is vital for the person with dementia, as well as family members. Although the effects of dementia cannot yet be stopped or reversed, an early diagnosis gives families a chance to access services and plan for the future.

There are a number of organisations that offer support, information, education and counselling to people affected by dementia.

The National Dementia Helpline offers advice and counselling on 1800 100 500 or dementia.org.au or read on for information about how the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) can help.

Changed behaviours

Behavioural change can occur for people with dementia, with many people experiencing changes to mood, thought, language, daily function, or movement.

The individual’s response to a particular circumstance or situation may alter or reduce as the dementia progresses.

Changed behaviour as a response to a person’s dementia may reduce quality of life for the person living with dementia and can contribute to carer or care worker stress.

It is important to take steps to support the person living with dementia and the people that provide care to them.

Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) can help explain the causes for changed behaviours and identify strategies to assist the person living with dementia and their carers.

Changed behaviours may include:

Anxiety

Depressed mood

Hallucinations

Restlessness

Aggression

Sleep disturbance

Inappropriate toileting