Dementia Awareness Week: 15-21 September
The week is a chance to talk openly, reduce stigma, and remind each other that help is available. If you’re worried about changes in yourself or someone you care about, the best step is simple: book a visit with your GP.
Dementia Awareness Week is a reminder that dementia is not just about memory loss. It affects how people think, feel and live. And it touches more lives than many of us realise.
Right now, about 425,000 Australians are living with dementia. That works out to about 16 in every 1,000 people. The rates rise sharply with age. For those between 85 and 89, around one in five have dementia. Women are more affected than men, making up almost two-thirds of all cases.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates the number will more than double, reaching over one million people by 2065. This is due to ageing and population growth. What many people don’t know is that some dementia risks are modifiable. Managing blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical activity and hearing loss can all make a difference.
Dementia does not appear overnight. It often begins with small changes. If you or someone close to you notices things like frequent memory lapses, difficulty solving problems, trouble with familiar tasks, getting lost in familiar places, or shifts in mood and behaviour, it’s time to consider a check-up.
You don’t need to wait until these signs are severe. Early assessment can help rule out other causes and give people more choices in planning their care and future.
The first step is usually a visit to your GP. They’ll ask about what changes you’ve noticed and may also speak with a family member or friend.
Next may come cognitive tests. These are simple questions that check memory, language, orientation and attention. They are not difficult, but they do show whether further checks are needed.
Doctors will also look at medical history, medications, mood, hearing and vision, since these can mimic dementia symptoms. Sometimes brain scans like CT or MRI are ordered to rule out other issues or to look for brain changes linked to dementia.
In some cases, the GP will refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist, geriatrician or psychiatrist. Getting a clear diagnosis can take a few months. Doctors often want to track changes over time to be sure.
Where to go for help
- Your GP is the best first point of contact.
- Memory clinics and hospital services offer specialist assessments.
- Dementia Australia runs the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, with advice and resources for individuals and families.
Making the process easier
- Write down what changes you’ve seen and when they started.
- Bring a family member or close friend to appointments. They may notice things you don’t.
- Be honest about your health history, mood, medications and sleep. Other conditions like depression, anxiety or vitamin deficiencies can look like dementia but are treatable.
- Ask clear questions: What tests are planned? What will they show? What happens next?
Why it matters
Dementia Awareness Week is not just about facts and figures. It’s about encouraging people to act. Too often, symptoms are put down to “just ageing.” But getting checked can open doors to support, treatment for contributing conditions, and time to make decisions while the person is still able to.
The week is a chance to talk openly, reduce stigma, and remind each other that help is available. If you’re worried about changes in yourself or someone you care about, the best step is simple: book a visit with your GP.