Dementia Australia

Our award-winning, free Ask Annie mobile app is now available in Greek! Ask Annie is on-the-go dementia training app designed for care workers. With short, practical and interactive modules, Ask Annie helps you develop dementia care skills into your busy day. We were delighted to work with the Fronditha Care Foundation to adapt Ask Annie for their Greek-speaking workforce. Personal care worker Evangelos was one of the first to try the app in Greek. “It’s been a great support to our whole team and meant we can provide the best care possible for our elders,” Evangelos said. Since its launch, Ask Annie has been downloaded by more than 36,000 users to help aged care professionals and community carers solve problems and learn on-the-go. The Greek adaption is the first time Ask Annie has been made available in a language other than English. Which language would you like to see next? Let us know! Ask Annie can be downloaded via the Google Play Store or Apple App store.  For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gdbBshyS

Deanne had her own struggles coming to terms with her Dad's dementia diagnosis and the many changes that comes with becoming a carer.     “You grieve for your loved one, but you are also filled with your own loss. The roles reverse and you are no longer the child, you are now the caregiver and protector.” Deanne said.   “Dementia Australia gave us great ideas and tools to try and implement to make caring for Dad easier.  Memory books, diversion and sleep were often the best way of breaking a loop Dad would get stuck in.”   Caring for someone living with dementia can be tough, rewarding and challenging all at once. But you don’t have to do it alone. Call the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit https://lnkd.in/fmZgQEj The National Dementia Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“It’s normal to be scared. It’s normal to be overwhelmed. Just know you don’t have to go through it alone.”    Jeremy, from the National Dementia Helpline, explains that there are many different supports available for people who have received a diagnosis of dementia, with support also available for family and friends.    To connect with this support, or for any questions about dementia contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.    #100ReasonsToCall #Dementia #Diagnosis 

Join Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) on Wednesday 6 November for a webinar exploring the key findings from the 2024 World Alzheimer Report: Global changes in attitudes to dementia.    The report found that 65 per cent of health and care professionals incorrectly believe that dementia is a normal part of aging—a concerning statistic that underscores the need to address stigma in our health systems.    The webinar will feature Dementia Australia Advisory Committee member Natalie, alongside a panel who will delve into the key findings from the report and ask what we can all do to challenge stigma globally.     For more information and to register, please visit https://lnkd.in/gj-7sSAZ

Dementia Australia’s Centre for Dementia Learning Facilitator Natalie presented at the recent Aged & Community Care Providers Association conference on the importance of mentoring and leadership in the aged care sector. Natalie presented alongside St Vincent's Care Residential Services Manager Linda.    Her presentation, ‘Engagement is Everyone’s Business’ focused on the Meaningful Engagement Mentors (MEMs) program developed by the Centre for Dementia Learning. The program addresses the challenges aged care staff can face supporting meaningful engagement for people living with dementia.    As part of the MEMs program, carers learn and mentor colleagues on how to plan and deliver individualised engagement activities that enhance person centred care and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.    The MEMs program was Highly Commended in the consumer experience category at the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards.     For more information about the MEMs program visit https://lnkd.in/gY6k6x9R 

To help spread awareness about dementia, we are answering some of our most frequently asked questions. Today we answer, "What is alcohol related dementia?" Alcohol related dementia, as the name suggests, is a form of dementia related to the excessive drinking of alcohol. This affects memory, learning and other mental functions. Korsakoff’s syndrome and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are particular forms of alcohol related brain injury which may be related to alcohol related dementia. Anyone who drinks excessive amounts of alcohol over a period of years may develop these conditions, but most do not. It is not known why some very heavy drinkers develop dementia or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome while others do not. Diet and other lifestyle factors may play a role. For more information on alcohol related dementia visit https://lnkd.in/gME8Mmvp For support and further information call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Did you know that up to 15 per cent of people living with motor neurone disease (MND) will be diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia?      This question and more are explored in the latest webinar recording from Dementia Australia’s Centre for Dementia Learning.       The free webinar on understanding MND and dementia can be viewed now and provides carers with practical strategies, knowledge and the tools needed to provide effective support to individuals living with MND and dementia.      You can watch a free recording of the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/gKGaxj5Y    For more dementia related information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.  

Feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of writing or updating a will? Want to better understand things like power of attorney and enduring guardianship?      Help is at hand! National Helpline Advisor Kristin breaks it all down in this bonus episode of Dementia Australia’s podcast Hold the Moment.     “It doesn’t all have to be done today. You can break it down into pieces and talk to people who you trust to help you do each of these steps along the way,” Kristin said.     You can listen to the short five minute episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts or by visiting:  https://lnkd.in/ghqUBKmg      For information or support you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can call 24 hours a day, or request a callback, start a webchat, or send an email: https://lnkd.in/dQCPiuJt  

Struggling with sleep? You’re not alone.    For many people impacted by dementia, disrupted sleep is a constant challenge.    In one of our podcast episodes, neuroscientist Associate Professor Stephanie Rainey-Smith explains how different types of dementia can impact sleep, what causes sleep disturbances and hallucinations, and shares tips for improving sleep quality.    We also have a bonus episode focusing on practical advice for managing changing sleep patterns, which features an advisor from the National Dementia Helpline.    You can listen to both episodes on Hold the Moment wherever you find your favourite podcasts, or on our website: https://lnkd.in/ghW9G3t7     The National Dementia Helpline is available 24/7 on 1800 100 500 or at https://lnkd.in/fmZgQEj for email and webchat. #Sleep #Carer #Dementia #HoldTheMoment

Are you involved in a regular community meeting, club catch up or organisation?    Does your community or organisation want to learn more about brain health and dementia?     Dementia Australia’s free Community Education Toolkit is now available!     The Toolkit is a video-based resource designed to enable community groups and organisations to self-deliver informative sessions.     Communities can tailor videos and interactive activities to the needs and interests of different communities. Sessions in the Toolkit include:    🧠 Practical tips to keep your brain healthy  ❓ Understanding dementia and diagnosis  🤝 Promoting community and reducing stigma    The interactive Toolkit videos are presented by Dementia Australia Ambassadors Jessica Redmayne and Geraldine Hickey, alongside clinical experts Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor and GP Dr Marita Long, and Psychiatrist Dr Terence Chong.     To find out more and to access the Toolkit visit https://lnkd.in/eG4KJrsQ or contact innovation@dementia.org.au with any enquiries.     Dementia Australia’s Community Education Toolkit is funded by The Lionel & Yvonne Spencer Trust.