Conditions we support
Alzheimer's disease support in Queensland
Memory changes. The person stays.
About the condition
Understanding Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a condition where abnormal proteins build up in the brain, and brain cells slowly stop working and die. It usually starts in the part of the brain that forms new memories. That's why forgetting recent events is often the first sign.
Over time, the changes spread. They affect language, planning, judgement and finding the way around. Alzheimer's disease usually gets worse slowly, over many years, and everyone's path is different.
Many people, especially older people, have Alzheimer's disease and damage to the brain's blood vessels at the same time, which is called mixed dementia. Read more on our vascular dementia page.
Some people are diagnosed before the age of 65. This is young onset dementia. In younger people, Alzheimer's disease can start with changes other than memory, such as problems with language, planning or making sense of what they see.
There is no cure yet. Some medicines may help with symptoms for some people. The person's specialist can explain which treatments might suit them.
Daily life
How it can affect daily life
Changes usually come slowly, and they look different for everyone.
Memory
Forgetting recent conversations, appointments or where things are. Asking the same question again. Older memories often last longer.
Finding the way
Getting lost on familiar routes, or feeling unsure in a new place. Losing track of the day or time.
Words
Struggling to find the right word, or following a conversation in a busy room.
Everyday tasks
Bills, cooking, shopping and medicines get harder to manage. Steps get missed or done out of order.
Mood and changed behaviours
Feeling anxious, low, frustrated or restless, especially later in the day. These are often a way of telling us something is wrong.
Our support
How we support people living with Alzheimer's disease
We keep days steady and familiar, and we plan ahead for change. The same small team gets to know the person, their routines and what helps on a hard day.
Dementia Home Care
Personal care, meals, cleaning, outings and overnight support at home.
Community Participation
Keep up hobbies, friendships and routines with a dementia trained worker.
Specialist Support Coordination
A coordinator who knows dementia and plans for the next stage before it arrives.
Short Term Accommodation and Respite
Breaks for family, at home or in one of our respite homes.
Supported Independent Living
A home purpose built for dementia, with 1:1 or 2:1 support, when living at home no longer works.
Medium Term Accommodation
A safe place to live for up to 90 days while the long term plan comes together.
High Intensity and Complex Care
For changed behaviours, wandering or complex health needs. If the person is in hospital, our Hospital to Home pathway brings everything together.
Our team
Our team is trained for this.
Alzheimer's disease changes over time. Our team is trained to notice and adapt.
- Every person on our team is dementia trained, in every role.
- Every support worker completes a one week intensive induction before their first shift.
- Every worker is trained on the person's own functional capacity assessment and behaviour support plan before their first shift with them.
- Monthly group clinical supervision with a clinical psychologist.
Funding
Alzheimer's disease and the NDIS
People living with Alzheimer's disease can apply to the NDIS if they meet the access requirements. This is most often the case for people with young onset Alzheimer's disease.
Who can apply to the NDIS
To become an NDIS participant, a person generally needs to:
- be under 65 when they apply
- live in Australia
- be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a Protected Special Category Visa holder
- have a permanent impairment that substantially reduces their ability to manage everyday activities.
People who join the NDIS before they turn 65 can stay in the NDIS after 65. We can help gather evidence and guide you through the access process.
Good evidence makes a difference. Reports from the GP, specialist and allied health team should explain how Alzheimer's disease affects daily life. We can help you work out what's needed.
In their words.
“When Mum was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at 58, we were completely lost. Every provider we called said they 'do dementia too' but it was always an afterthought. Dementia Care Queensland was the first place where the person on the other end of the phone actually understood what we were going through.”
“We visited a lot of SIL houses before we found Dementia Care Queensland. Most of them felt like nursing homes with nicer curtains. But when we walked into one of these homes, it just felt different. It smelled like someone's house. The layout made sense. There were pictures on the walls. Our son, who has Young Onset Alzheimer's and is 49, walked in and didn't panic. That was the moment we knew.”
“As a referring clinician, I need to trust that the providers I recommend can match the complexity of my patients' conditions. Dementia Care Queensland is the only NDIS provider I refer dementia patients to without hesitation. Their coordinators ask the right questions, understand disease progression, and plan ahead.”
Questions about Alzheimer's disease
Related conditions
This page is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own health or care, talk to your GP or specialist. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Support that keeps home feeling like home.
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