Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

Dementia is the single greatest cause of disability in older Australians aged 65 years or older and the second leading cause of death in Australia.  

This is a terminal condition as currently there is no cure. On average symptoms of dementia are noticed by families three years before a firm diagnosis is made.

The main concerns for patients with advanced dementia as they approach the end of life are:

• under-treatment of symptoms that may be distressing, and
• over-treatment with burdensome interventions that do not produce benefit.

A palliative approach to the care of people with dementia is appropriate.

Useful Resources

CareSearch - Dementia

Evidence-based information and resources on a palliative approach to the care of people with dementia, collated by CareSearch.

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Dementia Australia Website

This website includes help sheets about dementia for health professionals.

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Talking About Dementia and Dying

This discussion tool deals with the issue of dying from dementia in a residential aged care facility.

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Dementia - Palliative Care Resource Nurse - Resource Kit

This Resource Kit has been designed as a guide to aid the implementation of the DPRN role in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs).

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Caring for LGBTI People with Dementia

This booklet will help health and aged care professionals understand some of the issues that LGBTI people may face and how to offer appropriate support. 

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