Answers to your dementia queries
See information related to the most common questions about dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and associated symptoms and treatments.
Forgetfulness, memory loss and early signs of dementia
Learn more about the early signs and symptoms of dementia, such as forgetfulness and confusion.
Forgetfulness and memory loss can be caused by:
- anxiety or depression
- medication effects
- mild cognitive impairment
- sleep disorders
- dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Persistent forgetfulness affecting daily life should be assessed by a doctor.
Early signs of dementia, sometimes described as early dementia symptoms, may include subtle changes in memory, thinking, behaviour and daily functioning.
Symptoms usually develop gradually and include:
- confusion in familiar places
- difficulty finding words
- personality changes
- repeated questioning
- trouble concentrating.
Seek assessment if memory loss symptoms or thinking changes are:
- affecting daily life, work, independence or safety
- if there is confusion and disorientation in familiar situations
- noticed by family
- worsening.
Urgent medical help is needed for:
- fainting
- severe headache
- sudden or rapidly worsening confusion
- speech difficulty
- weakness
- other stroke-like symptoms.
These symptoms can indicate a medical emergency – call Emergency on 000.
Causes and types of dementia
Distinguish between the types of dementia and underlying brain changes that lead to the diferences in symptoms.
No, dementia is not a normal or inevitable part of ageing; most older people do not develop dementia. That said, age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia, and the likelihood increases substantially as people get older, particularly after age 65.
Dementia can occur before age 65; this is called young-onset dementia, and it is far less common but not rare.
In Australia, an estimated 446,500 people were living with dementia in 2026. This number is projected to exceed one million by 2065 without significant preventive action, largely reflecting an ageing population.
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, brain structures or the connections between them.
The specific cause varies by type:
- Alzheimer's disease is associated with a build-up of abnormal amyloid and tau proteins
- frontotemporal dementia is associated with the abnormal build-up of proteins like TDP-43 or tau
- Lewy body dementia is associated with abnormal alpha-synuclein protein
- vascular dementia results from vascular damage to the brain.
Dementia is a brain disease affecting cognition enough to cause loss of function – it's an umbrella term, not a single condition.
Alzheimer's disease is one specific cause of dementia, and the most common.
Diagnosis, testing, treatment and progression
Understand more about the disease course of dementia and where to find information about clinical trials.
No. While brain imaging and blood tests can support a diagnosis, an accurate diagnosis requires specialist assessment that combines a person's history, cognitive testing and examination with any imaging.
Where possible, clarifying the specific type of dementia helps inform treatment choices and future planning, since different types have different causes, progression patterns and treatment approaches.
A GP may manage many aspects of care directly or alongside specialist input as needed.
Some risk factors can be managed through brain health, heart health and fitness strategies, though not all dementia is preventable.
Dementia cannot currently be cured. However, treatment and support can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life and help people stay independent for longer.
Newer Alzheimer’s treatments, such as anti-amyloid therapies, target amyloid proteins directly. However, whether these treatments are appropriate or accessible depends on the individual case.
Sometimes, memory and thinking problems are caused by other treatable conditions, so it's important to see a doctor for an assessment.
Many forms of dementia are progressive, but the pattern and speed of cognitive decline vary between individuals and dementia types.
The Macquarie University Brain Institute and Clinic runs various clinical and scientific research into neurodegenerative diseases and may have suitable trials available.
If you are considering clinical trials, start by discussing this with your GP or specialist so eligibility can be assessed (diagnosis stage, biomarker status such as amyloid positivity, medical history and medications).
People often search 'clinical trials near me' or 'clinical trials Sydney'. Reputable pathways include university-affiliated memory clinics, major hospitals and recognised trial registries.
Participation requirements and risks vary, so informed consent and a careful review of benefits and burdens are essential.