Dementia
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease (external site) is the most common form of dementia, but there are many other forms (external site), such as vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.
Dementia can happen to people of all ages but is more common in people over the age of 65. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Certain lifestyle factors have been identified that can reduce the risk of developing dementia. Early diagnosis and effective management can support living well with dementia.
What causes dementia?
Dementia is caused by a variety of diseases that damage brain cells, affecting the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other.
While some risk factors for dementia, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk (external site).
Preventable risk factors include:
- Lower levels of education in early life
- Hearing loss
- High LDL cholesterol
- Depression
- Traumatic brain injury
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Social isolation
- Air pollution
- Vision loss later in life.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Everyone’s experience of dementia is different, but it can affect your memory, thinking, mood, and behaviour. Symptoms of dementia may not be obvious at first.
You might experience:
- memory (external site) loss
- changes in your planning and problem-solving skills
- difficulty performing everyday tasks
- shifts in mood and personality
- loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- poor judgement
- problems with speaking (external site) and writing
- confusion about time and place
- problems navigating or getting lost.
Dementia diagnosis
Although there is no one single test to diagnose dementia (external site), doctors will do several tests to help determine whether symptoms are due to dementia or another condition.
It is important to visit your doctor early if you have any concerns. The sooner you know the more you can do (external site).
Treatment and support
While there is no known cure for dementia, there are support services that can help people to live a fulfilling life with dementia.
Support services available in Western Australia include, but are not limited to:
Brain health is an important factor in maintaining good cognition throughout life. In addition to the non-governmental organisations listed above, Injury Matters also promotes brain health.
Where to get help
The services of a Memory Clinic can be accessed following a stay in hospital or from the community with a referral from your GP.
The Memory Clinic aims to assist individuals and their carers to maintain their function and independence and better understand and manage their health concerns.
Memory Clinics provide access to:
- medical assessment for clinical diagnosis and treatment plans;
- allied health assessment and treatment, information and support; and
- referral linkages to community services, including Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment and support as required.
- For a younger person (generally under the age of 65) with concerns specialist diagnosis and support can also be accessed through the Neurosciences Unit of Western Australia website (external site).
- For specialist help for people with mental health concerns or challenging behaviours associated with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia you can also access advice and support from community based mental health services (external site).
Remember
- Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia.
- Disease progression will vary from person to person.
- Visit your doctor if you have any concerns about symptoms.
Last reviewed: 09-09-2025
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.