Conditions we support
Vascular dementia support in Queensland
Steady support for changing days.
About the condition
Understanding vascular dementia
The brain needs a steady supply of blood to work. Vascular dementia happens when blood flow to parts of the brain is reduced or blocked, which damages brain cells. This can be caused by a large stroke, a series of small strokes, or damage to the small blood vessels deep in the brain.
Rarely, vascular dementia is caused by an inherited condition called CADASIL, which damages small blood vessels in the brain and can cause migraines, strokes and changes in thinking from middle age. If several family members had strokes or dementia at a young age, ask the specialist about genetic counselling.
Symptoms depend on which parts of the brain are affected. Slower thinking, trouble concentrating and difficulty planning are common. Memory may be less affected early on than in Alzheimer's disease.
For some people, changes happen in steps. Things stay steady for a while, then get worse suddenly after another stroke. For others, changes are slow and gradual. Many people, especially older people, have both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This is called mixed dementia, and it can bring symptoms of both.
Looking after heart and blood vessel health may help lower the risk of further damage. This includes managing blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, and not smoking. The person's GP can advise what's right for them.
Signs of a stroke need an ambulance. If someone's face drops, they can't lift both arms, or their speech is slurred or confused, call 000 straight away.
Daily life
How it can affect daily life
Vascular dementia affects each person differently, depending on where the damage is.
Thinking speed
Taking longer to take in information, answer questions or follow a conversation.
Planning and organising
Trouble with steps, decisions and tasks like cooking, paying bills or keeping appointments.
Walking and falls
Changes in walking and balance can raise the risk of falls.
Mood and motivation
Low mood, anxiety and losing interest in things are common. Some people have quick changes in emotion.
Speech and swallowing
If a stroke has affected these areas, talking, eating and drinking may need extra care.
Our support
How we support people living with vascular dementia
We keep routines steady, reduce falls risk at home and watch for changes. If something changes suddenly, we act on it and tell the people who need to know.
Dementia Home Care
Personal care, meals, cleaning, outings and overnight support from a familiar team.
Community Nursing
Registered Nurse led care at home in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba.
High Intensity and Complex Care
Swallowing support, seizure management and support for changed behaviours, with Registered Nurse oversight.
Specialist Support Coordination
A coordinator who knows dementia and plans ahead as needs change.
Medium Term Accommodation
A home sourced in 5 to 7 days for people ready to leave hospital, for up to 90 days.
Supported Independent Living
Homes purpose built for dementia, with 1:1 or 2:1 support.
Short Term Accommodation and Respite
Breaks for family at home or in a respite home. After a stroke, our Hospital to Home pathway helps people leave hospital with the right support in place.
Our team
Our team is trained for this.
With vascular dementia, small changes can matter. Our team is trained to notice them.
- Every person on our team is dementia trained, in every role.
- Every support worker completes a one week intensive induction before their first shift.
- Clinical oversight by a Registered Nurse, who signs off worker competency for high intensity supports.
- Every worker is trained on the person's own functional capacity assessment and behaviour support plan before their first shift with them.
Funding
Vascular dementia and the NDIS
People living with vascular dementia can apply to the NDIS if they meet the access requirements. If the person is in hospital after a stroke, the treating team can often help start the process.
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.
Reports should explain how vascular dementia affects daily life, now and as it changes. We can help you work out what evidence is needed.
In their words.
“I'm 54 and I've been living with vascular dementia for two years. I still want to live. I still want to be me. The team at Dementia Care Queensland gets that. They've helped me stay in my own home, keep doing the things I love, and plan for a future I can feel dignified about.”
“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.”
“Mum has Lewy Body Dementia. Her needs change day to day, sometimes hour to hour. We'd tried three different agencies before Dementia Care Queensland and none of them could keep up. Now, the same two workers come every week. They know her routines. They know her triggers. They know when she's having a hard day before she does. That consistency, that knowledge, has changed everything for our family.”
Questions about vascular dementia
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.
Steady days start with one call.
Call any time, day or night. Referrals answered the same business day, always within 24 hours.