Easing the slow grief of dementia

The growing burden of dementia in Australia’s ageing population is also borne by those who care for them, and the nation’s army of family caregivers deserves recognition and support as well.

Hunting down dementia

Researchers are decoding the earliest biological signs of dementia, clinicians are learning to spot it sooner, and technological advances are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to treat it.

Better environments mean healthier brains

A 13-year study has found that living in walkable, green, and well-connected neighbourhoods may protect against memory loss and cognitive decline in older age.

Delving into dementia

Dementia affects nearly 60 million people around the world, and air pollution is emerging as a major contributing factor to this global scourge.

Read a book – or drive a taxi – to avoid Alzheimer’s disease

New studies suggest that mental exercise – like reading a book or navigating through a city – can help ward off mental decline just like physical exertion.

Delaying dementia

Research from the 2024 update of the Lancet Commission on the prevention, treatment and care of dementia suggests that almost half of dementia cases around the world could be prevented or delayed.

Screening for dementia

A new self-reporting tool developed by Murdoch University is set to transform the early detection and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there

UNSW experts say it’s never too late, nor too early, to adopt healthy habits that can delay the onset of dementia.

Would you want to know you’ll get dementia?

A simple, cheap and non-invasive blood test could help predict a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease up to 20 years before symptoms show, although the blight that might cast over their lives means it might not be news people want to know.

Warding off dementia

Research shows that maintaining social connections as well as keeping mentally and physically active are important steps to delaying or avoiding age-related deterioration.

Australia’s dementia crisis

Half a million Australians have some form of dementia, and a million and a half more people are involved in their care, a figure expected to triple by 2050 as the population ages overall.

Hitting the brain gym

The benefits of physical exercise are well known in staying healthy in later life, but enjoying crosswords, sudoku and chess can also help to lower the risk of dementia.