Dementia

Having end-of-life conversations with people with dementia

Caring for someone with dementia as they approach the end of their life can often feel lonely and isolating. However, engaging…

Community still believes dementia is a normal part of aging, says global study

Eighty per cent of the general public incorrectly believe that dementia is a normal part of ageing, according to a…

National action plan on dementia needed, new figures reveal

A new report estimated there are 411,000 Aussies living with dementia – with that number expected to double in the…

What the ministers said at IDC24

Almost 1000 participants converged on Sydney last week to hear from trailblazing researchers, advocates, tech developers and those with lived…

Consent and sexual health: International Dementia Conference 2024

Those in the International Dementia Conference (IDC) arena faced some of the biggest taboos in aged care head on. One…

IDC24: Dementia in the Commonwealth Report

The Commonwealth Association for the Ageing (CommonAge) has released what is believed to be the first report to addresses the…

Research shows diabetes drug could reduce dementia risk. Here’s how the two diseases may be linked

Steve Macfarlane, Monash University A Korean study published recently suggests people with type 2 diabetes who are prescribed a particular…

“Shiny new treatment:” High cost means new Alzheimer’s drugs not available to all

While the approval of Alzheimer's disease modifying treatments like donanemab and lecanemab (Leqembi) continues to be hotly debated internationally, a…

Could the shingles vaccine lower your risk of dementia?

Ibrahim Javed, University of South Australia A recent study has suggested Shingrix, a relatively new vaccine given to protect older…

Funding to update guidelines for dementia care

In a bid to remodel best-practice principles for dementia care, the Albanese government will inject $1.3 million into the development…

Queenslanders’ petition for compassionate assisted dying

Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws have been passed in all Australian states and territories with the exception of the Northern…

Is it OK to lie to someone with dementia?

Steve Macfarlane, Monash University There was disagreement on social media recently after a story was published about an aged care…

More money for dementia-specific respite care

In a direct response to Royal Commission recommendations for the delivery of specialised dementia care, the Australian government has invested…

Dental Health Week: the oral health issues facing older women

While many oral health issues are common to both genders, there are some that are more prevalent in older women. The…

Saying “Ciao!” to everyone – New social inclusion initiative arrives in Australia

An international digital project designed to restore a sense of community in residential aged care homes is being piloted in…

‘I keep away from people’ – combined vision and hearing loss is isolating more and more older Australians

Moira Dunsmore, University of Sydney; Annmaree Watharow, University of Sydney, and Emily Kecman, University of Sydney Our ageing population brings…

Smart applications are fast becoming a vital tool in the provision of aged care

From dementia education and virtual companionship to physical activities and entertainment, mobile applications are becoming increasingly present in the provision…

10 signs of adverse events and psychotropic medicines

In a bid to empower carers and minimise drug-related harm in older people, a recent study by Monash University has…

New self-reporting tool revolutionises early dementia detection

A new self-reporting tool, developed by Murdoch University researchers, is likely to change the way early signs of dementia are…

Turn up the Volume! National conference to raise voices on elder abuse

Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA) and Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) are joining forces to present the 2024 Australian Elder…

FDA approves drug for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Kisunla (donanemab-azbt) injection for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease after months of…

Life expectancy drops for first time in 30 years

The life expectancy of Australians has fallen for the first time since the mid-1990s, a new government report reveals. The…

Collaborative palliative care pilot project empowers aged care staff

Two Victorian aged care providers are changing the way they deliver end of life care. Peninsula Home Hospice and Vasey…

What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Nikki-Anne Wilson, UNSW Sydney Changes in thinking and memory as we age can occur for a variety of reasons. These…

Music is medicine for people living with dementia

Experts have found that music can activate neural pathways in the brains of people with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s…