Understanding dementia: A guide to the 5 most common types

Dementia Action Week: Compassionate Care Starts with Awareness At the recent Sector Briefing: The Future of Aged Care, our COO Annie Pathak joined sector leaders to explore the future of aged care. In this snippet, Annie reflects on the growing impact of dementia and highlights Maintain Your Brain (https://bit.ly/4nBVoyd ) – a research-backed program designed to reduce modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes. At Bethanie, we’re committed to creating spaces that support dignity, connection and wellbeing for people living with dementia. #DementiaActionWeek

This week is Dementia Action Week. The theme is ‘Nobody can do it alone’. It is important that every person living with dementia, including people with intellectual disability, has access to the care and support they want and need. People with intellectual disability are at greater risk of developing dementia, often at younger ages, than people without intellectual disability. Dr Rachael Cvejic and colleagues from the Centre are leading research focused on supporting people with intellectual disability experiencing changed behaviours in the context of dementia. One of the outcomes will be resources that have been co-designed with, and are for, people with intellectual disability. You can find out more about the research on our website: Responsive behaviours in people with intellectual disability living with dementia: https://lnkd.in/gYW2ibKK There is also an Easy Read document about the research: Changed behaviours for people with intellectual disability living with dementia: https://lnkd.in/gBNvAUVt #dementiaaustralia #dementiaactionweek #worldalzheimersday

This Dementia Action Week (15-21 September) reminds us that small gestures can make a big difference. 39% of people living with dementia say that others don’t keep in touch the way they used to*. A diagnosis can make interactions feel uncertain – but connection still matters deeply. As leaders, colleagues and community members, we all have a role to play in fostering inclusion and support. Explore practical resources to help you reconnect with someone impacted by dementia – through meaningful conversations, shared activities and compassionate communication: https://lnkd.in/gfuN2akP Let’s build communities where no one faces dementia alone. * Source: Ipsos Dementia Discrimination Report 2024. #DementiaActionWeek #DementiaAwareness #MemorySupport

"With the number of Australians living with dementia expected to double by 2058, training will provide the solid roadmap we need to create dementia friendly communities. This roadmap will enable us to assist people living with dementia to continue living with dignity, purpose and connection. This Dementia Action Week, let’s ask ourselves: are we prepared to support someone living with dementia? If today the answer is “not yet,” let’s plot a new direction. Whether it is supporting a loved one, working in the aged care industry or simply interacting with an individual for the first time at a local café, there are skills necessary to provide compassionate care for someone living with dementia." Our Executive Director Dr Isabelle Meyer in Inside Ageing for #DementiaActionWeek Read the guest post here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gMk4xnvu

🔹 Words Matter in Dementia Care 🔹 The newly released World Alzheimer Report 2025 places a spotlight on “rehabilitation” for people living with dementia. While well-intentioned, I find this terminology deeply problematic. 👉 Dementia is not something you can “rehabilitate.” Unlike stroke or injury, there is no return to a “previous state.” Using this word risks implying that people are failing if they cannot “recover” — reinforcing stigma, shame, and blame. What we should be talking about is maintaining independence: ✨ Supporting people to keep living meaningfully in their communities. ✨ Preserving daily skills and autonomy for as long as possible. ✨ Creating systems that focus on ability, not disability. 🧠 Words shape how society sees dementia and how people living with dementia see themselves. Let’s choose language that empowers rather than diminishes. #DementiaPrevention #BrainHealth #WorldAlzheimerReport #LanguageMatters

🔹 Words Matter in Dementia Care 🔹 The newly released World Alzheimer Report 2025 places a spotlight on “rehabilitation” for people living with dementia. While well-intentioned, I find this terminology deeply problematic. 👉 Dementia is not something you can “rehabilitate.” Unlike stroke or injury, there is no return to a “previous state.” Using this word risks implying that people are failing if they cannot “recover” — reinforcing stigma, shame, and blame. What we should be talking about is maintaining independence: ✨ Supporting people to keep living meaningfully in their communities. ✨ Preserving daily skills and autonomy for as long as possible. ✨ Creating systems that focus on ability, not disability. 🧠 Words shape how society sees dementia and how people living with dementia see themselves. Let’s choose language that empowers rather than diminishes. #DementiaPrevention #BrainHealth #WorldAlzheimerReport #LanguageMatters

Starting a conversation with someone impacted by dementia can feel daunting. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, or wonder if too much time has passed. But connection matters. Here are some real conversation starters shared by people living with dementia and their carers. 🟡 Simple words that can rebuild connection: • “I didn’t know what dementia was like. I’m taking some time to learn more.” • “I’m sorry, I had my own stuff going on and I felt weird about the time that had lapsed. Can we reconnect?” • “We miss seeing you at [activity]. How’ve you been?” • “I miss our chats. How about catching up for coffee this week?” • “I didn’t know what to say but I’m trying to do better.” • “You seem to be handling this all so well. I would like to do more to help you.” • “I didn’t know what you were going through. Do you want to talk about it?” • “I’m sorry we haven’t been there for you. How can we fix it?” 🟡 And here are ways to offer ongoing support: • “Find out a bit more about dementia. It helps when my friends understand what I’m talking about.” • “Keep me up to date on what’s going on in your life.” • “Talk to the person living with dementia the same way you would anyone else.” • “Join me for a walk.” • “Offer to pick up some groceries or run an errand for me.” • “Offer to do things around the house and garden.” • “Come over and spend some time with me.” • “Include us in events like birthdays and dinner parties.” These small gestures reduce loneliness, stigma, and isolation. They remind people living with dementia and their families that they are seen, valued, and supported. This Dementia Action Week, let’s all take a step to reconnect. Because nobody can do it alone. Find more tips and resources at https://lnkd.in/gEqNPXSv. Dementia Australia  #gilmoreinteriordesign #dementiaactionweek #dementiaaustralia #dementiaawarenessmonth

People living with dementia may experience many changes, but what we often label as “behaviour changes” are actually forms of communication. Restlessness can signal discomfort, while agitation may reflect unmet needs or a longing for reassurance. Recognizing these cues allows caregivers to respond with understanding and compassion. In her latest blog “Understanding Dementia Changes and Breaking Down Fallacies for Compassionate Care”, dementia consultant, educator, author and advocate Karen Tyrell, CPCA, CDCP, explores common misconceptions and shares strategies for more compassionate care. https://lnkd.in/gcE8MiuW Learn how to challenge outdated beliefs, preserve dignity, and care with greater confidence. Read the full blog above. #CaregiverTips #Blog #VerveSeniorLiving #InspiredSeniorLiving #LifeAtVerve #JourneyTogether #RetirementLiving #LifeEnrichment

❤ info - Dementia is a global challenge that goes beyond healthcare, involving policy, technology, and community collaboration. 😘This link highlights listening to lived experiences and creating inclusive, supportive communities—small actions that make a big difference. Low-cost, user-friendly technologies and local government support may help people living with dementia stay longer with their families while connecting caregivers. 🙄Aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). A great starting point to explore dementia, especially for those without a health or public health background: mooc.utas.edu.au😘 #DementiaAwareness #HealthInnovation #UNSDGs

🧠 Dementia isn’t just a diagnosis — it’s a daily experience. For millions of individuals and their families, it means navigating confusion, memory loss, and emotional shifts that can feel overwhelming. What they need most isn’t just treatment — they need: ✔️ Compassion — to be seen as people, not patients. ✔️ Understanding — from communities that recognize their unique challenges. ✔️ Trained specialists — who know how to provide care that is not only clinically sound but emotionally supportive. Dementia care is not one-size-fits-all. It requires patience, presence, and professional expertise. Let’s work toward a future where no one facing dementia is left behind — and where every caregiver is empowered, supported, and trained to truly make a difference. #DementiaAwareness #ElderCare #CompassionInCare #HealthcareProfessionals #NeurodegenerativeDiseases #AlzheimersAwareness #PatientCenteredCare #MentalHealth #AgingPopulation #HealthcareLeadership