Find a Mental Health Professional for Cognitive Decline & Dementia Support

About Cognitive Decline & Dementia Support support

Cognitive decline and dementia affect not only the person experiencing changes in memory, thinking, and reasoning, but also their family and caregiving network. Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be frightening and involves a significant adjustment process. Emotions such as grief, anxiety, frustration, and fear are common, and so is a period of recalibrating life plans, relationships, and identity. Psychological support for people with cognitive decline focuses on adjustment, maintaining quality of life, and supporting emotional wellbeing. Neuropsychological assessment can help clarify the nature of cognitive changes and inform planning. Family therapy and carer support are often equally important, helping families communicate effectively, navigate decisions, and care for themselves as well as their loved one. In Australia, Dementia Australia provides the national helpline (1800 100 500), resources, counselling, and peer support for people with dementia and their carers. Aged care teams in hospitals and community health services include social workers and psychologists with expertise in this area. The NDIS supports younger people living with dementia under 65. Medicare supports GP-coordinated care plans that include allied health, including psychology.