SUPPORTING YOUR HEALTH JOURNEY: RESOURCES FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a stressful time for patients, carers and their families. You may have many questions and concerns not only about this progressive disease and its treatment but also about the support available to you. This page contains information about AD and links to patient and carer support resources.
Information I need:
Resources you can access:
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia guide
Download Dementia Australia's comprehensive guide on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosis and treatments.
Dementia Australia
Explore Dementia Australia’s Library of print and audio resources on dementia, written for people living with AD and their carers.
Non-English languages:
Access Dementia Australia's content in languages other than English.
Caring Conversations in Dementia is a website where caregivers provide valuable insights into their personal journey of caring for their loved ones living with dementia. This resource has five overarching themes: Sharing is Caring; Pills, Bills, Wills and Wheels; The Changing Home; Creating a Legacy and The Hardest Conversations plus links to many other valuable resources.
Information for Carers and Family
Finding out that someone you care about has AD can be very upsetting. It can be especially hard for family members who have to become caregivers, as they must adjust to new responsibilities while still managing their regular daily tasks.
You don’t have to go it alone, there are services available to support you in the role of carer.
Resources you can access:
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease
For information, insights and practical tips to develop your skills as a carer.
Education for carers
Dementia Australia organises education sessions for carers.
Supporting people with dementia
In this video from the National Ageing Research Institute carers share their tips on being a carer of someone with dementia.
Coordinating practical help and care
Carer Gateway offers a range of free services and support based on your needs and that of your loved one.
Accessing aged care services
Your loved one may be eligible for government-subsidised aged care, either as home care, short-term or respite care or at aged care homes.
Dementia Support Australia
This service provides practical guidance, support and services for managing behavioural changes.
Call the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service at 1800 699 799 (24 hours a
day, 7 days a week).
Carer Conversations
Carer Conversations is a nationwide network of virtual groups, developed by Dementia Support Australia and the Australian Frontotemporal Dementia Association, for carers of people living with frontotemporal dementia offering connection and support through shared experiences.
Carer Gateway
The Australian Government’s Carer Gateway provides comprehensive information and services, along with emotional support for carers.
Call 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)
Looking after yourself
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and challenging experience. It is essential to take care of your own mental, emotional, and physical health.
Dementia Australia’s Self-care for Carers resource provides practical tips and support to help carers maintain their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing while caring for someone with dementia.
If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, Beyond Blue offers valuable resources and support. Visit Beyond Blue for information, online forums, and professional help.
Call a counsellor on 1300 22 4636
Financial assistance
Carers may be eligible for income and financial support.
Future planning
As Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, it is important to plan for eventual changes in care needs and prepare for possible emergencies.
Legal assistance
Carers may have different legal powers and responsibilities, depending on their role and the person they care for.
Living with Alzheimer’s disease
There are simple things you can do every day to stay healthy and active for as long as possible. Dementia Australia offers many helpful tips and guides to help you live well, some of which are listed below.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before changing your diet or starting any new exercise plan.
Resources you can access:
Coping with your diagnosis
The initial period after the diagnosis can be difficult to navigate. Dementia Australia has put together a comprehensive set of resources.
Living with Dementia program
The Living with Dementia program, offered by Dementia Australia, features live meetings that provide an overview of dementia and how to proceed after a diagnosis.
Connect with other people who have AD
Your peers can be a vital source of emotional and mental support and of practical guidance on living with AD.
Dementia Australia offers additional resources and support.
Call 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Hear about the experience of other people with dementia
Hold the Moment, a podcast by people living with dementia hosted by Dementia Australia.
Stay healthy
Taking care of your health helps you live the best life you can with AD. Learn more about staying healthy with resources from Dementia Australia.
Eat well
Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is essential to manage other medical conditions and help prevent illness and complications.6 Learn more about eating well with resources from Dementia Australia.
Keep active
Maintaining a degree of physical activity is essential to maintaining your overall health and improving balance and coordination.7
Reducing your risk of Dementia
Nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors—including hearing loss, physical inactivity, and social isolation.8 Dementia Australia offers practical, evidence-based steps to help you take control of your brain health through lifestyle changes, mental stimulation, and medical care.
Stay connected
Studies have shown that social interaction is crucial as it can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve overall brain health.8,9
Dementia Australia provides guidance on maintaining relationships, and encouraging social interactions and activities.
Track your brain health
Dementia Australia has developed an app to support people living with AD:
The Brain Track app to monitor your brain health.
Make your home more accessible
The Dementia-Friendly Home app by Dementia Australia offers practical tips to help you and your carer create a safer, more supportive living environment. Explore simple changes that make daily life easier and more comfortable.
We hope you find this website helpful. For advice on medicines or any health-related matters, please contact your Doctor or Health Care Professional.
For medical emergencies please dial 000 immediately.
You should report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) online at www.tga.gov.au/safety/reporting-problems.
References: 1. Dementia Australia. About dementia. Available at: https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia [Accessed May 2025]. 2. Dementia Australia. Alzheimer’s Disease. Available at: https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/alzheimers-disease-everything-you-need-know [Accessed May 2025]. 3. Healthdirect. Alzheimer’s disease. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/alzheimers-disease [Accessed May 2025]. 4. Dementia Australia. Testing and Diagnosis. Available at: https:// www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-testing-and-diagnosis [Accessed August 2025]. 5. Alzheimer’s Research Australia. Diagnosis. Available at: https://alzheimersresearch.org.au/alzheimers/diagnosis/ [Accessed Jan 2025]. 6. Dementia Australia.
Nutrition and Dementia. Available online: https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/staying-healthy/nutrition-and-dementia [Accessed Jan 2025]. 7. Dementia Australia. Physical exercise. Available online: https//www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reducing-your-risk-dementia/physical-exercise [Accessed May 2025]. 8. Livingston, Gill et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10452, 572 – 628. Available online: Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission [Accessed August 2025]. 9. Ren Y, Savadlou A, Park S, Siska P, Epp JR and Sargin D. The impact of loneliness and social isolation on the development of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 2023; Volume 69: 101061. Available online: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091302223000092 [Accessed May 2025].
This website is an information resource that is only for Australian residents. It is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your condition or treatment.
