Dementia is a term used to describe a group of conditions characterised by gradual impairment of brain function, which may impact memory, speech, cognition (thought), personality, behaviour and mobility.
In Australia, the rates of dementia and younger onset dementia (dementia diagnosed in people under the age of 65) are increasing and are expected to more than double by the year 2058.
In 2022, dementia was the second leading cause of death in Tasmania after ischaemic heart disease and is the main leading cause of death in women.
Tasmania’s population is remaining healthier for much longer than previous generations, and older people are associated with an increased prevalence of chronic health conditions – including dementia. By 2042, more than 25% of the Tasmanian population will be aged 65 and over.
As primary care is often the first contact a person has with the health system, health professionals like GPs play an important role in the diagnosis and ongoing management of dementia.
What is dementia?
Dementia is the broad term that refers to over 100 different diseases that impair brain function.
Dementia affects mood, memory, thinking, and behaviour.
While it’s more common in people over 65, it is not a normal part of ageing and can happen to anyone.
Common signs include frequent forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty with everyday tasks, and mood changes like depression or anxiety.
Behavioural changes such as restlessness or disrupted sleep can also be warning signs. Early signs to watch for include trouble remembering recent events, getting lost, and difficulty with language.
Though there is currently no cure, treatment is available to help manage many of the symptoms, and support services can provide assistance for those affected.
Supporting dementia care
The Australian Government has funded Primary Health Tasmania to:
review and enhance existing dementia support pathways to ensure they are comprehensive and reflect contemporary best practice dementia care, and
develop, review, maintain and enhance localised consumer resources that support older people and their carers and families to understand and make informed choices about health and aged care services that may be of benefit to them. Access the resources below.
In 2020-21, 208,000 Australians were living with dementia. Of them, 54% lived in permanent residential aged care, and 46% in the community.
According to Dementia Australia, in 2024 it is estimated that there are more than 10,600 people living with all forms of dementia in Tasmania. This figure is projected to increase to around 16,500 by 2054.
Dementia and other health conditions
Dementia often co-exists with other health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, complicating care and requiring more comprehensive management. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, people with dementia are likely to also experience:
heart disease is present in around 30% of people with dementia
diabetes is found in 20% of people with dementia
depression or anxiety affects about 40% of people with dementia
chronic lung disease and stroke-related conditions frequently co-exist with dementia, further reducing quality of life
people with intellectual disabilities are at a higher risk of developing dementia than the general Australian population.
Managing dementia
Managing dementia involves a mix of medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis is key to slowing its progression. A range of support, resources, education and counselling is available for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Dementia resource for health professionals
Tasmanian HealthPathways
Primary Health Tasmania has developed a suite of clinical pathways specific to the diagnosis, management and referral of dementia available through the Tasmanian HealthPathways portal. For more information, and to request access as a clinician, please complete this online form.
Primary Health Tasmania hosts education and training resources on our Learning Hub portal. This includes a suite of dementia webinars delivered in partnership with Dementia Training Australia, Tasmanian clinicians, and subject matter experts. Contact our events team to find out more, and to request access.
Our Dementia resources and support to help you live well information sheet outlines where patients, family and carers can find services and support following a dementia diagnosis. Available in English, Greek, Simplified Chinese, Nepali, Italian and Spanish.
This online information hub, developed by FindHelpTAS in partnership with Primary Health Tasmania, links to support services and resources for people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia and their family, friends and carers.
A team of health professionals who offer consultation, assessment, information and nursing care services to people with dementia living in the greater Launceston community. Their clinical nurse consultant is able to provide assessment, including cognitive assessment (with GP referral) and support in the north, outside of the Launceston area. They aim to provide quality care, valuing the worth of every person. They work closely with the person with dementia, their families, carers and other healthcare providers.
