| Dementia Australia | |
|---|---|
| Location | Australia (National Peak Body) |
| Type | Non-Profit Organization / National Peak Body |
| Founded | 1985 (as Alzheimer Australia; renamed 2020 |
| Website | https://www.dementia.org.au/ |
| Focus Areas | Dementia Care, Support, Education, Advocacy, Research Funding |
| Helpline | 1800 100 500 (24/7 National Dementia Helpline) |
| Formerly | Alzheimer Australia |
Dementia Australia is the national peak body supporting people impacted by dementia in Australia. Formerly known as Alzheimer Australia until 2020, the organization provides information, support, advocacy, and research funding related to all forms of dementia[1]. With over 446,500 Australians currently living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved in their care, the organization plays a critical role in supporting individuals, families, and the broader healthcare system[2].
Dementia Australia's mission is to provide information, support, and advocacy for people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers. The organization serves as the voice for people impacted by dementia in Australia, working to influence policy, improve care quality, and advance research toward better treatments and ultimately a cure.
The organization's work spans the entire dementia journey, from prevention and early detection through to end-of-life care, with particular attention to underserved populations including people with younger onset dementia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Dementia is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Australia[3]:
The economic burden of dementia in Australia is substantial:
Research indicates that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed through addressing modifiable risk factors[4:1]:
Lifestyle Factors
Medical Factors
Social Factors
Dementia Australia promotes public awareness of these risk factors and supports initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyle choices across the lifespan.
The National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500) provides 24/7, 365-day support:
Carer Support Programs
Early Intervention Services
Specialized Services
Dementia Australia's Consumer Advisory Committee provides input on policy, services, and research from the perspective of people with lived experience:
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation is the charitable arm responsible for funding innovative dementia research in Australia[5]:
Research Priorities
Funding Programs
Recent Research Highlights
Dementia Australia works with:
Dementia Australia provides specialized support for people diagnosed with dementia before age 65[6]:
The organization has dedicated programs for Indigenous Australians[7]:
Dementia Australia supports LGBTQ+ people with dementia and their families[8]:
Working with the Australian Childhood Dementia Association, Dementia Australia supports families affected by childhood dementia[9]:
Dementia Australia advocates for a comprehensive National Dementia Action Plan[10]:
Key Priorities
The organization's advocacy work is driven by people with lived experience:
Dementia Australia works with:
Dementia Australia promotes the development of dementia-friendly communities across Australia:
The annual Memory Walk and Jog events raise awareness and funds[11]:
Dementia Australia provides education for:
Dementia Australia has expanded its digital presence[12]:
The organization helps people with dementia and families navigate technology:
Dementia Australia supports research into:
Dementia Australia provides training for family caregivers[13]:
Training for healthcare and aged care professionals:
The organization advocates for improved dementia care workforce[14]:
Dementia Australia develops and promotes evidence-based care guidelines:
Helping aged care providers meet dementia care standards:
Dementia Australia's strategic plan aligns with the National Dementia Action Plan[10:1]:
Dementia Australia. Dementia Statistics in Australia 2024. ↩︎
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Dementia in Australia: Summary. ↩︎
Livingston G, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet. 2024. ↩︎ ↩︎
Dementia Australia Research Foundation. Annual Research Report 2024. ↩︎
Draper B, et al. Younger onset dementia: A review of the literature. International Psychogeriatrics. 2022. ↩︎
Smith K, et al. Dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Medical Journal of Australia. 2023. ↩︎
Macadem K, et al. LGBTQ+ people and dementia: A scoping review. Dementia. 2023. ↩︎
Australian Childhood Dementia Association. Childhood Dementia: Symptoms and Causes. ↩︎
Department of Health and Aged Care. National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034. ↩︎ ↩︎
Dementia Australia. Memory Walk and Jog Program. ↩︎
Innovation and Technology in Dementia Care Working Group. Technology and Innovation in Dementia Care: Strategy 2024. ↩︎
Australian Department of Health. Dementia Training Program for Care Workers. ↩︎
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association. Dementia Workforce Strategy 2024. ↩︎