Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia. However, there is still an average of 3 years before a diagnosis is made. We wanted to encourage doctors to test for dementia as early as possible. People with the onset of dementia want to know what is happening to them and having a diagnosis is, in fact, a relief for most people because at last they understand.

An early diagnosis can give people with dementia, their carers and families an explanation for the changes they have noticed, and time to make decisions about the future. It also provides access to medicines and support to help the person and their family as the disease progresses.