It’s official: dementia has become the leading cause of death in Australia, overtaking heart disease, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This development highlights a staggering 38.8 percent increase in diagnosed cases since 2015. As of 2025, approximately 433,300 Australians are living with the disease, and projections by Dementia Australia suggest that without significant intervention, this number could rise to one million by 2065.
While these statistics are alarming, for those living with dementia—both patients and their carers—the focus remains on the day-to-day challenges. Sophie Hennessy, General Manager of Client Services at Dementia Australia, emphasizes that the holiday period presents specific challenges not only for those with dementia but also for their loved ones and caregivers.
Understanding the Journey: Individualized Approaches
Hennessy notes that the period following a dementia diagnosis varies greatly among individuals. Some may feel relief at having a name for their symptoms, while others may experience distress over what the future holds. This divergence is often seen between patients and their carers.
“The carer might be identifying that they need more information or support but the person who has received the diagnosis isn’t quite ready for that,” Hennessy explains. “That’s one of the messages we share – it’s OK to go at your own pace.”
She advises seeking further information before making any major decisions and cautions against prematurely dismissing the cognitive abilities of those diagnosed. “Often home care is pushing, saying ‘you need to do this and this is the best thing for you,’ but the person with dementia still has their own agency and can still make their own decisions,” Hennessy adds.
Navigating Social Interactions During the Holidays
The holiday season, traditionally a time for family gatherings, can be particularly challenging for people with dementia. Large social events may become overwhelming as they struggle to process an influx of information. However, Hennessy stresses the importance of maintaining social connections.
“It is really important to remember that the person living with dementia is still a person first,” she says. “Just because they have dementia doesn’t mean they are not interested in being really active and socially engaged.”
Creating a calm environment with controlled social interactions and maintaining a routine can help. Hennessy suggests smaller gatherings or providing a quiet space for individuals to retreat if needed. Preparing family members on what to expect and how to respond is crucial for a successful gathering.
Effective Communication Strategies
Because dementia affects cognitive processing, initiating conversations with simple “yes” or “no” questions can bolster confidence. “Everyone experiences dementia differently,” Hennessy notes. “Often it’s about thinking clearly and not layering on too many questions at the same time or too many instructions.”
“Ask one question at a time and give them time and space to respond. Often they have the language and they know the answer, it just might take them a little bit longer to process the question and then to find the information to respond with,” she advises.
Dementia Australia often sees an increase in inquiries in January, following holiday family reunions. “It is not uncommon for us to get calls in early January saying ‘I saw mum or dad and I didn’t realise how much things had progressed and we probably do need a bit more support,’” Hennessy reveals.
Embracing Reality: Managing Delusions
As dementia progresses, patients may experience delusions, such as believing they have a meeting with the queen or need to go to work despite being retired. Hennessy advises against confronting these beliefs head-on, as it can cause distress.
“If someone is insistent that they have a meeting with the queen, it’s not necessarily lying to them if you enter their reality,” she explains. “There are ways of doing it without reinforcing it or escalating it.”
Distraction can be an effective strategy. Engaging in conversation about the topic without reinforcing the delusion can provide comfort. “You’re entering their reality, wanting to talk about what’s on their mind,” Hennessy suggests.
Supporting Carers: The Importance of Self-Care
Caring for someone with dementia can be exhausting, particularly during the holiday season. Hennessy encourages carers to plan for personal time, especially when family members are available to share responsibilities.
“If you know you have a few busy days caring and supporting, think about how you can plan ahead. There might be someone else around to take on the caring so that you can get a break. Seek support. Contact us. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year,” she says.
As dementia continues to impact more Australians, understanding and implementing strategies to support both patients and carers is crucial. By fostering an environment of empathy and patience, families can navigate the complexities of dementia with greater ease.
