Think for a moment about the people in your life — a parent, a neighbour, an old friend from down the road. Chances are, someone you know is living with dementia, or caring for someone who is. Across Australia, an estimated 433,300 people are living with dementia right now, and around 1.7 million Australians are involved in their care. These numbers are significant, but behind every one of them is a person with a story, a family doing their best, and often, a long road that began with small, easy-to-dismiss changes. Dementia Action Week (held annually in September and run by Dementia Australia) is a timely reminder for all of us to reconnect with those impacted, and to pay attention to the signs that something might be changing — in someone we love, or even in ourselves.
What is dementia, exactly?
Dementia is not a single disease. It's an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, accounting for around 70% of cases, but there are many other types including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. What they all have in common is that they are caused by physical changes to the brain — changes that are progressive, meaning they worsen over time. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing, even though it is more common as we get older. And importantly, it is not something people should simply accept or wait out. Early identification matters.
Early signs to look out for
One of the most challenging things about dementia is that the early signs can be subtle — so subtle that they're often chalked up to stress, tiredness, or 'just getting older.' But there are some patterns worth paying attention to, particularly if they represent a change from a person's usual behaviour or abilities. Here are some of the more common early signs:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life — particularly forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, or asking the same questions repeatedly
- Difficulty planning or solving problems — for example, struggling to follow a familiar recipe or keep track of monthly bills
- Trouble completing familiar tasks — things like driving to a well-known location, managing a work project, or remembering the rules of a favourite game
- Confusion with time or place — losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time, or becoming unsure of where they are or how they got there
- Changes in vision or spatial awareness — difficulty reading, judging distance, or recognising colours and contrast
- Problems finding words or following conversations — stopping mid-sentence, struggling to join in conversation, or repeating themselves
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps — sometimes leading to accusations that others have stolen items
- Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies — losing interest in things they previously enjoyed, or pulling back from friends and family
- Mood and personality changes — becoming more anxious, suspicious, depressed, or irritable, particularly in situations outside their usual comfort zone
Important: Experiencing one or two of these signs occasionally doesn't necessarily mean dementia. However, if you're noticing several of these changes — or a noticeable shift in someone's usual abilities — it's worth having a conversation with a GP. Early assessment is always worthwhile.
The difference between normal ageing and dementia
It's completely normal for our memory and thinking to change a little as we age. You might occasionally forget where you put your keys, take longer to recall a name, or find it harder to multitask than you used to. These small lapses are a normal part of getting older and are not necessarily a cause for concern. The distinction with dementia is the pattern and the impact. Dementia-related changes tend to be persistent and progressive, and they begin to interfere with a person's ability to live independently and carry out everyday activities. Someone who occasionally forgets a name but remembers it later is experiencing something quite different from someone who consistently forgets recent conversations or becomes lost in familiar surroundings. If you're unsure about the difference, that's precisely what your GP is there to help you work through.
When to see your GP — and what to expect
If you're concerned about yourself or someone close to you, the right step is to book an appointment with your GP. You don't need a referral, and you don't need to have a list of dramatic symptoms. Simply noticing a change that worries you is reason enough to seek a professional opinion. At your appointment, your GP will likely have a conversation about the changes you've noticed, when they started, and how they're affecting daily life. They may carry out some simple cognitive assessments — these are brief, non-invasive tests that help evaluate memory and thinking skills. They'll also ask about your medical history and any medications you're taking, since some conditions and medicines can cause symptoms that mimic dementia. Depending on the findings, your GP may arrange blood tests, refer you for brain imaging, or refer you to a specialist such as a geriatrician, neurologist, or psychiatrist for further assessment. This process can feel daunting, but remember — getting clarity is empowering, not frightening. A diagnosis, if one is reached, opens the door to support, planning, and access to services that can genuinely improve quality of life.
Tip for carers and family members: If you're worried about a loved one but they're reluctant to seek help, you can speak to a GP yourself first. Your GP can offer guidance on how to approach the conversation and what steps to take next. You don't have to navigate this alone.
How you can make a difference this Dementia Action Week
Dementia Australia's annual Dementia Action Week is an invitation for all of us to do something meaningful — whether that's learning more, volunteering, donating, or simply reaching out to someone in our community who is living with dementia or caring for a person who is. Dementia can be an isolating experience, for the person living with it and for those around them. A phone call, a visit, or even just acknowledging what a family is going through can make a real difference. You can find out more about how to get involved at dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week. Even small acts of connection count.
If this article has prompted any concerns — about yourself, a parent, a partner, or a friend — we'd encourage you to act on that instinct. It takes courage to raise these questions, but doing so early gives everyone the best chance of getting the right support at the right time. Our GPs at Cronulla Medical Practice are here to listen without judgement and to help you take the next step, whatever that looks like for you. Book an appointment online or give us a call today. You don't have to have all the answers before you come in — that's what we're here for.