Dementia

Rapid Alzheimer’s testing arrives

Researchers have launched an Australian-first Alzheimer’s diagnostics centre that will use blood-based biomarkers to speed up diagnosis, with results available…

Dementia risk is higher if your spouse has it

New research suggests dementia risk is higher among people whose spouse develops the condition, with researchers pointing to the influence…

WHO calls for action on preventable dementia risks

Up to 45 per cent of dementia risk may be preventable, according to new WHO guidelines highlighting the role of…

Australians living longer, but not healthier

Australians are living longer than ever, but rising rates of chronic disease, dementia and mental illness mean many are spending…

Calls for earlier dementia advance care planning

Dementia Australia and Advance Care Planning Australia say early, supported planning is essential as dementia progresses, but inconsistent practice, limited…

Choir creates community for ageing migrants

In a Fremantle community hall, an Italian choir is helping older migrants living with dementia reconnect with memory, identity and…

“More to be done” for dementia

Dementia experts have welcomed the federal government’s funding boost for specialist programs but warn it must be matched by stronger,…

Budget 2026/27: Major gaps remain in aged care

Aged care providers and advocates have welcomed major Budget investments, including free personal care services and expanded dementia support, while…

Taser cop’s actions ‘not justified’, inquest told

An inquest into the death of 95‑year‑old Clare Nowland has heard that both a police officer and a paramedic believed…

Calls for input into dementia guidelines

The first major overhaul of Australia’s dementia guidelines since 2016 is now open for public consultation, with Monash University seeking…

Alzheimer’s drugs are not the breakthrough promised: Review

A review of more than 20,000 participants found that plaque‑clearing Alzheimer’s drugs offer minimal clinical benefit and carry notable safety…

DTA, Rabbitohs unite on dementia

Dementia Training Australia has partnered with Souths Cares to expand dementia awareness in First Nations communities, aiming to improve early…

New tools target medication harm in aged care

Researchers have released new microlearning videos and a national high‑risk medication tool to reduce preventable medication-related harm in residential aged…

Early brain health support can delay entry to aged care

The overwhelming desire of older Australians to remain in their homes is driving new research into proactive brain health support,…

Dementia researchers focus on early intervention

It is a condition that impacts one in five older Australians and is often considered a “transition” stage to dementia,…

Air pollution linked to Alzheimer’s disease

Air pollution has long been linked to heart and lung disease. But a large US study suggests it may also…

Dementia care: new action framework

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released its National Dementia Action Plan framework, signalling a period of practical…

Australia faces growing dementia challenge

New data released by Dementia Australia reveals that the impact of dementia spans all age groups, with an estimated 29,000…

2026 may see VAD become available nationally

Voluntary assisted dying is now lawful and being accessed across most – and soon, potentially all – of the country.…

2025 highlights: Reshaping the sector

2025 reshaped Australia's aged care. Legislative reforms, pay rises, and new services emerged, yet provider closures, class actions, and persistent…

Year in review: Dementia breakthroughs

Dementia has surpassed heart disease to become the leading cause of death in Australia, a statistic confirmed by the Australian…

‘Risk’: Cops pepper spray 87yo with dementia

It’s alleged the 87-year-old man threatened to harm other residents and himself while armed with a metal object he had…

Exercising in mid and later life can reduce dementia risk – new study

Does exercising at any age help reduce your risk of dementia? Or only when you’re young? And what if you…

Design transforms dementia care

Far from being a mere backdrop, thoughtful and compassionate design can have a significant impact on the independence, safety, and…

ABS confirms dementia as leading cause of death

In 2024, over 17,500 deaths were from dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which accounted for 9.4 per cent of all deaths…