What is Dementia Australia and what does it do?

Dementia Australia is the national peak body providing information, advice and support to Australians living with dementia, their families and carers. According to its website, it serves more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia and the 1.7 million people involved in their care, and its work spans direct support, education and training, prevention and research.

Who Dementia Australia is for

The organisation describes itself as being there for people in several distinct situations:

• People living with dementia – information, advice and support, including help with early signs.
• Families, friends and carers – support for carers and peer connection with people in similar circumstances.
• Professionals – dementia education sessions, tailored support for a given profession, professional development and dementia training.
• People who want to reduce their risk – guidance on protecting brain health.
• Supporters and researchers – ways to donate, fundraise or contribute to research.

What it actually provides

The National Dementia Helpline

The helpline is the most direct service described on the site. It offers:

The site notes that Advisors respond to emails as soon as they can. It also highlights that the helpline operates after hours — a story on the homepage describes carer Danny relying on late-night support — and asks for donations to keep it available 24/7, all year round.

Information, education and training

Beyond the helpline, Dementia Australia lists dementia education sessions, information and tips, professional development and dementia training, plus tailored support for particular professions. It also offers a checklist for people who have noticed changes or early signs.

Prevention and research

The homepage states that 45% of dementia diagnoses can be prevented, and frames prevention as one of the organisation's three pillars alongside supporting people and driving change. Research into prevention is named as part of that work.

How to decide whether to contact it

• If you are worried about your own memory or thinking changes, the early-signs checklist is a low-commitment first step before deciding whether to call.
• If you are caring for someone and need guidance now, the helpline's phone, chat and email channels are the most direct route; the after-hours example suggests it is worth trying outside business hours.
• If you want to refer someone else, the personal referral form is the documented path, and it is intended for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment or those concerned about someone close to them.
• If you are a professional seeking training, the education and professional development offerings are the relevant section rather than the helpline.

One limit worth noting: the site presents the helpline as free to call, but it does not state terms for other services such as education sessions or training, so check directly before assuming cost or eligibility.