Dementia Action Week
It’s time to talk about dementia
This Dementia Action Week (21-27 September 2026) we encourage everyone in the community to reach out and reconnect to someone impacted by dementia.
Almost half a million Australians are living with dementia today and over 1.7 million people are involved in their care. But we don’t talk about it enough, It can feel too hard to raise. We worry about saying the wrong thing. And it’s often wrongly seen as just a part of getting older.
But silence has a cost – delayed diagnoses and treatment, carers who feel isolated, and people who never learn that help is here.
If you need support to reconnect with someone impacted by dementia, these tips and resources from Dementia Australia can help you get started.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the answers to frequently asked questions.
Dementia is a condition that affects the brain, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks.
It’s important to note that dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and understanding this is crucial in breaking down misconceptions. To learn more about dementia, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and available support, access reliable resources during Dementia Action Week.
5 actions to create a dementia-friendly future
- Raise your awareness and understanding
- Include, encourage, empower
- Communication is key
- Make your environment dementia-friendly
- Look out for people in your community
Learn more about the 5 actions to create a dementia-friendly future on the Dementia Australia website.
The Forward with Dementia website developed resources for people living with dementia, carers and health professionals, including:
- Downloadable resources for people living with dementia and carers – Questions to Ask Your Doctor, Circle of Friends Worksheet, My Life Plan Worksheet
- Support and dementia care planning for health professionals
There are many opportunities to improve your understanding of dementia through programs and courses:
- Dementia Training Australia provides a range of courses related to dementia and navigating changed behaviour in people living with dementia.
- University of Tasmania offers Diploma of Dementia Care (1 year full-time, up to 3 years part-time, online)
- Dementia Australia offers training for individual health workers and group training.
Living with dementia
At ACH Group all of our services are inclusive of people with cognitive impairments including dementia, as well as dementia specific services to suit individual needs and allow for choice.
ACH Group have staff with the specialist knowledge, skills and experience that enables them to offer the right advice at the right time, no matter where someone is on their journey with dementia.
Dementia is caused by a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. Dementia can affect a person’s memory, thinking, behaviour and ability to perform everyday activities.
While dementia can and does have a profound effect on a person’s daily life and that of those around them, it is possible to live well with dementia in the community, at home or in residential care.
Research tells us, the key to living well with dementia is to focus on health and wellbeing and to stay socially connected in ways that suit a person’s abilities and interests.
Contact us today!