Dementia & Alzheimer’s. We’ll take a weight off your mind.
Dementia is not a normal part of getting older – but 30% of Australians over 85 have dementia. Here at HealthMatch, you’re on our mind. Find a dementia clinical trial today.
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials
459,000 Australians currently live with dementia. Every three seconds, someone in the world develops it. An umbrella term, it describes the deterioration in cognitive function.
What does that mean? When someone has dementia, brain-based skills are affected – thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. People suffer from loss of memory, language and problem-solving. A normal social or working life is severely impacted. Support is vital.
Looking for how to help someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s? At HealthMatch, we’re bringing forward tomorrow’s treatments. We have more than six trials available for Alzheimer’s and dementia, including ones aimed at monoclonal antibodies and therapies that may prevent plaque formation.
27,800
people are estimated to have younger onset dementia ¹
1 million
Australians will have Alzheimer’s by 2050 ²
1,800
Australian are diagnosed every week ³
Foundation
Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia represents all Australians living with, and those caring for, dementia. They advocate for the needs of people living with all types of the condition. The organisation also provides support services, education and information.
Dementia Australia Support Services
Support services include a helpline; helpsheets; counselling; carer support groups; peer supports; seminars and more.
Resources
Artful: Art and Dementia toolkit
This online learning toolkit facilitates creative learning experiences. It includes 10 artmaking activities, along with step-by-step videos and downloadable instructions.
MindMate
MindMate is an app that can be accessed on a phone or computer. It has mental exercises, workout routines and recipes to keep the mind sharp and the body healthy.
FAQ
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Dementia is the collective term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses – those that cause a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills, and physical functioning. It is a syndrome (a group of symptoms without a definitive diagnosis), not a disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. It is a progressive brain disease, where the disease attacks brain cells and neurotransmitters. Because of this, brain function, memory and behavior are slowly impaired. It’s the most common form of dementia – about 70% of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Early signs of dementia may not be immediately obvious. Symptoms include confusion; personality change; progressive and frequent memory loss; withdrawal; loss of ability to perform everyday tasks and more.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary, as different people react differently to the condition. There are also different symptoms as the disease progresses, in three different stages.
Common symptoms of mild Alzheimer’s include problems with short-term memory; difficulty learning new things; concussion about time or location and more. Symptoms for the moderate stage include delusions; inappropriate behaviour; neglect of hygiene; obsessive behaviour and more.
People with Alzheimer’s may exhibit the following symptoms: violence; hallucinations; incontinence; significant loss of memory; disorientation; weight loss and more.
How do you treat Alzheimer’s and dementia?
A holistic and medical approach is used for treatment.
Holistic treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy; memory training; support groups; psychotherapy and more. Medication includes cholinesterase inhibitors, all which offer some relief from symptoms.
Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia?
At present, there is no cure.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a scientific study involving patient or non-patient (healthy) human volunteers. They help determine whether medicines are safe and effective to introduce as new treatments for a particular disease or condition.
How do I select a clinical trial?
HealthMatch matches you to clinical trials, in an easy-to-understand process.
After completing a medical questionnaire, our platform searches for and filters eligible trials for you. You’re able to view matches and apply for trials, on your trial dashboard.
We’ll put you in direct contact with the trial group once you’ve been accepted. We won’t stop searching until we’ve found you the right match.
Find an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Clinical Trial Today
1 Dementia Australia, Key facts and statistics
2 3 Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation, About Alzheimer's