Understanding Dementia
Connection • Dignity • Identity
In short: dementia is not one disease — it’s an umbrella term for a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out daily activities. The Memory Nook was created by someone who understands it from both sides: living with cognitive changes through CADASIL, and supporting family members with dementia.
For comprehensive clinical information
Dementia Australia is the national peak body and your best source for detailed medical information, support services, and expert guidance.
The Memory Nook complements, rather than replaces, these essential medical resources.
Why The Memory Nook exists
While excellent clinical information exists, The Memory Nook focuses on something different: practical tools that preserve dignity and maintain identity throughout the dementia journey.
Our resources are designed from lived experience to help with:
- Daily wellness tracking that adapts to changing abilities
- Workplace support programs for employers and employees
- Accessible formats that honour cognitive difficulties
- Connection to community for those who feel isolated
Getting support in Australia
The support you can access depends on your age at diagnosis. Dementia Australia provides guidance for both pathways:
If you’re under 65: NDIS support
If you were diagnosed with dementia before age 65, you may be eligible for support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Dementia Australia provides:
- Younger Onset Dementia Key Workers to guide you through the NDIS application
- NDIS Toolkit with step-by-step guidance
- Support coordination services once you’re in the NDIS
Note: if you have CADASIL and are experiencing cognitive symptoms, visit our CADASIL NDIS resources for condition-specific guidance.
If you’re 65 or over: My Aged Care
If you’re 65 or older, you can access government-subsidised aged care support through My Aged Care, including:
- Home care packages for support to stay at home
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme services
- Respite care for carers
- Residential aged care when needed
Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
Support for all ages
Regardless of your age, Dementia Australia’s National Dementia Helpline provides free, confidential support 24/7:
Call: 1800 100 500
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained professionals can help you navigate whichever support system applies to you.
Understanding the journey
Dementia typically progresses through stages, though everyone’s experience is unique. The journey is often described in three phases:
Early stage
Memory lapses, word-finding difficulties, and changes in planning abilities may appear. Many people remain independent and can participate in their own care decisions.
This is an important time to plan for the future and put support systems in place.
Middle stage
Support with daily activities becomes necessary. Communication may become more difficult, and confusion about time and place increases.
Routines, familiar environments, and connection remain important for wellbeing.
Late stage
Full-time care and support are needed. Physical abilities decline, and communication becomes very limited.
Comfort, dignity, and emotional connection matter deeply, even when words are no longer possible.
For detailed information about stages, symptoms, and progression, please visit Dementia Australia.
What matters most
No matter where you are in the dementia journey, these things remain true:
You are still you. Dementia changes abilities, but it does not erase the person.
Connection matters. Relationships, love, and feeling valued remain essential throughout the journey.
Dignity is not negotiable. Every person deserves respect, choice, and to be treated as a whole human being.
You are not alone. Support, resources, and understanding are available.
The Memory Nook resources
All our resources are designed with accessibility and dignity at their core. They complement the medical guidance you receive from health care professionals.
Workplace support
Programs and resources for employers supporting employees with dementia, or caring for someone with dementia.
Partner with us →Dementia-friendly space checklist
A free printable checklist to help you review a home or care space — covering lighting, noise, layout, routine cues, and safety.
Open & print checklist →Need to talk to someone?
If you or someone you care for needs immediate support:
Dementia Australia National Helpline: 1800 100 500
Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential, and staffed by experienced professionals.
The Memory Nook provides practical resources and lived experience perspective. For medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment decisions, please consult with qualified healthcare professionals. In a crisis, contact emergency services on 000.