Living with memory loss, dementia, or depression

You may notice that you're:

• forgetting people
• getting lost in places you used to know
• having difficulty following conversations
• having changes to your mood or personality.

Major changes in memory and developing dementia are not normal parts of ageing. Support is available if you need it; you are not alone.

This page looks at some of the causes and support for your mental health as you age.

Experiencing memory loss 

There are many causes of memory loss, such as: 

• depression, stress and anxiety
• dementia
• poor-quality or not enough sleep
• traumatic brain injuries (concussion)
• delirium
• some medicines or alcohol use
• mild cognitive impairment
• a neurological condition like epilepsy or migraine
• infections such as HIV. 

More information on memory loss, including a symptom checker, can be found on the healthdirect website.

Understanding dementia

The effects of dementia vary but it can impact your thinking, memory, behaviour and mood with symptoms getting stronger over time. While it can affect anyone of any age, it is most common among people aged 65 or older. There’s currently no known cure, but there are treatments for many of the symptoms, and ways to reduce your risk of dementia and slow progression of symptoms.

If you have concerns about your memory, mood, and thinking, Dementia Australia has a checklist to fill out. It may help you decide if you need to talk to someone.

If you live with dementia, there are a range of programs, initiatives and resources to support you or your family, carer, or representative.

Dementia support 

The National Dementia Support Program (NDSP) provides support to people living with dementia in the community and their carers, families and representatives. Delivered by Dementia Australia, the NDSP aims to help people understand more about dementia and support them by:

• empowering them to make informed decisions about the support services they need, and  
• connecting them with appropriate services so they can self-manage and live well with dementia for as long as possible.  

The NDSP offers support through counselling, education, webinars, special assistance for vulnerable communities and an online library service.  

For more information, visit the Dementia Australia website, or contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Dementia Australia also delivers the Dementia Friendly Communities Program, which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia and build understanding, awareness and acceptance of dementia at a community level.

Living with depression

While it is normal to feel down sometimes, if this continues for weeks, or if your mood is interfering with your everyday life and relationships, you may be experiencing depression.  

Depression is often thought about in terms of hopelessness, low mood and tiredness. However, memory problems are also a common symptom.  

Depression is also common among people living with dementia. Some of the reasons they may become depressed include:

• physical illness
• social isolation
• fatigue
• environmental factors like lack of sunlight and fresh air, or overstimulation from background noise
• a response to their dementia diagnosis, and the impact they think it will have on their life
• side effects from medication.

No matter what the cause, your doctor is the best place to start. They can help you understand what’s happening, give an initial diagnosis, and start you on treatment, if needed. It is also important that your needs, including any medications, are reviewed regularly by your GP and/or therapist.

Depression support

You can also find information and support through organisations such as:

Lifeline

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support. It has information and advice on a variety of mental health issues, including depression.

Visit the Lifeline website or call them on 13 11 14 if you want to talk to someone. 

Medicare Mental Health

Medicare Mental Health can connect you with a range of information, mental health professionals for support, whatever your situation.  

Find out more on the Medicare Mental Health website. 

Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia provides information about the links between dementia and depression and tips and resources that can help.  

Learn more on the Dementia Australia website.