Nurses
From recognising symptoms to helping patients understand their options, find the information, training and support you need to provide exceptional care in your nursing practice.
Spot and assess
Here you'll find pages on our site with information to help you and your patients you identify signs and symptoms of dementia, treat and manage those symptoms, and support them to live the best life they can.
Signs and symptoms
- About dementia
Dementia is a brain condition. It’s not a normal part of ageing. Learn more about what dementia is, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and support.
- Dementia facts and figures
How common is dementia in Australia? Dementia Australia’s quick, authoritative guide to dementia prevalence.
- Early warning signs
Learn the most common early signs of dementia, how to notice them, and what you can do if they happen to you.
- Types of dementia
More than 100 different medical conditions can lead to dementia. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the most common dementia conditions.
Steps towards diagnosis
- Testing and diagnosis
How to make the decision to talk to your doctor about changes in your memory, thinking, behaviour and mood, and what tests they might do.
- Coping with your diagnosis
If you’ve just been diagnosed with dementia, there’s a lot to take in. Here are some things you can do to cope, get support and work out what to do next.
- How to talk about dementia
The way we talk and write about dementia makes a difference. Find out how you can use language that respects people living with dementia, their family and friends.
- Refer someone in your care
If you’re a healthcare professional, you can refer a patient or client to Dementia Australia for further information, advice and support.
Treatment, management and engagement
- What next? After your diagnosis
When you get a diagnosis of dementia, it can be hard to know what to do. Here's some advice on where to start.
- Telling someone they have dementia
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, should you tell them? If so, how do you tell them sensitively?
- Treatment and management of dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a variety of conditions. As a result, there are many pharmacological treatment, non-pharmacological treatment and management options.
- Talking to someone with dementia
Tips and strategies to help you communicate with someone with dementia.
Life with dementia
- Living with dementia
A diagnosis of dementia changes things. But life goes on. Learn about the changes you can expect, how to plan ahead and what you can do to stay safe, connected, healthy and active with dementia.
- Care options
There are many different ways to care for someone with dementia. Learn about your options, and how to explore them.
- Sleep and dementia
People with dementia can often have problems with their sleep. Learn why this happens, and tips to help them to sleep better.
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy for people with dementia
Dementia management is not just about your brain. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy can help support your physical needs.
“I’m still able to lead a fulfilling life”
Natalie lives with dementia and shares how she continues to do things that are meaningful to her.
Support for patients and carers
- https://www.dementia.org.au/professionals/gps-and-other-referrers/refer-someone-your-careRefer someone in your care
If you’re a healthcare professional, you can refer a patient or client to Dementia Australia for further information, advice and support.
- https://www.dementia.org.au/get-support/national-dementia-helplineThe National Dementia Helpline
Free and confidential, the National Dementia Helpline, 1800 100 500, provides expert information, advice and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
- https://www.dementia.org.au/get-support/counsellingCounselling
Dementia Australia offers free, confidential, professional counselling for individuals, families, couples and professional carers at all stages of a dementia journey.
- https://www.dementia.org.au/get-support/register-peer-supportRegister for Peer Support
Dementia Australia's one-to-one Peer Support program connects you with someone who understands your challenges because they have been through a similar experience.
Dementia training and courses
Build your dementia care skills, bridge knowledge gaps and increase your confidence with our professional development and training, informed by the experience of people impacted by dementia, latest research and practices.
The Centre for Dementia Learning, RTO Provider number 2512. Terms and conditions apply for online courses.