Dementia and Cognitive Decline Psychologist Melbourne

A diagnosis of dementia — or a concern about memory and cognitive changes — affects the whole person and their family. Psychological support is an essential part of dementia care — for both the person diagnosed and their carers.

How Psychologists Help With Dementia

Dementia is a syndrome of cognitive decline — involving memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, and judgement — that is chronic, progressive, and affects daily functioning (World Health Organization, 2021). While psychologists do not treat the underlying neuropathology, we provide a range of critically important supports:

Our psychological support for dementia includes:

Neuropsychological assessment — characterising cognitive strengths and weaknesses and contributing to differential diagnosis
Adjustment support following diagnosis — processing grief, fear, and existential concerns
Behaviour management consultation — supporting families and carers to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)
Carer wellbeing — psychological support for family carers experiencing burnout, grief, and role strain
Advance planning support — supporting individuals and families in planning for future care
Depression and anxiety treatment for people living with dementia

When to Seek Psychological Support

Psychological support may be helpful when:

A person has recently received a dementia diagnosis and is struggling to adjust
Behavioural or psychological symptoms — agitation, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance — are significantly affecting quality of life
Family carers are experiencing burnout, grief, or difficulty managing changed behaviour
There is significant uncertainty about whether cognitive symptoms represent dementia or other conditions
Advance care planning conversations are difficult to navigate

Up to 90% of people with dementia experience behavioural and psychological symptoms at some point, and family carers have significantly elevated rates of depression and burnout (Brodaty & Donkin, 2009).

Why Psychological Support Matters in Dementia Care

While cognitive decline itself cannot be reversed with psychological treatment, the emotional, behavioural, and relational consequences of dementia are very significantly influenced by psychological factors — and are highly responsive to psychological intervention (Livingston et al., 2020).

Psychological support:

Reduces depression and anxiety in people living with dementia, improving quality of life
Reduces behavioural and psychological symptoms through non-pharmacological approaches
Supports carer wellbeing and reduces burnout and depression in family carers
Helps individuals and families navigate the grief, loss of roles, and existential challenges of dementia

Non-pharmacological psychological interventions are recommended as first-line treatment for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in Australian and international guidelines (Livingston et al., 2020).

Evidence-Based Psychological Approaches for Dementia

Our psychologists provide a range of evidence-based supports:

Cognitive and Functional Assessment

Standardised neuropsychological assessment to characterise cognitive strengths and weaknesses, track change over time, and assist with diagnosis and care planning. Reports suitable for medico-legal and care planning purposes.

Individual Support for People Living With Dementia

Adjustment support, life review therapy, and management of depression and anxiety using approaches adapted for cognitive limitations. Focusing on quality of life, preserved strengths, and dignity (Spector et al., 2003).

Carer Wellbeing Therapy

CBT and supportive therapy for family carers experiencing depression, grief, burnout, or complicated bereavement. Carer psychological treatment produces significant improvements in carer wellbeing and reduces the risk of institutionalisation of the person they care for (Brodaty & Donkin, 2009).

Behaviour Support Consultation

Functional behaviour assessment and development of positive behaviour support plans for managing BPSD — agitation, distress, repetitive behaviour, and social withdrawal — using non-pharmacological approaches (Livingston et al., 2020).

We work collaboratively with GPs, geriatricians, memory clinics, and aged care services.

What Dementia Treatment Looks Like at The Talk Shop

Your first appointment can involve the person living with dementia, their family, or both — depending on your needs and goals.

We are experienced in adapting our communication and approach to the cognitive level of the individual.

Telehealth is available — particularly useful for carers who cannot easily leave the home.

We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.

Funding Options — What Will You Pay?

WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.

WorkCover approved — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
NDIS plan-managed or self-managed — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
TAC claim approved — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
DVA — Gold Card holders are fully covered with no session cap (clinically justified). White Card holders covered for accepted conditions, plus all current/former ADF members can access fully-funded psychology for any mental-health condition under NLMHT. GP referral required.
Medicare rebate (Mental Health Care Plan) — rebates same-day or next day
Private Health Insurance — itemised invoice provided
No funding / self-pay — affordable rates from $50 per session, no referral needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a psychologist diagnose dementia?

Psychologists can administer neuropsychological assessments that contribute to differential diagnosis. A formal dementia diagnosis requires a medical assessment by a GP or specialist, typically including neuroimaging.

Is psychological support available after a dementia diagnosis?

Yes. Psychological support is valuable at every stage of dementia — from adjustment to diagnosis through to advanced stages. The goals and approaches are adapted to the stage of the condition.

Can carers access support through Medicare?

Yes. Family carers experiencing depression, anxiety, carer burnout, or grief are eligible for Medicare-rebated psychological therapy via a Mental Health Care Plan in their own right.

Supporting Someone With Dementia? Talk to a Melbourne Psychologist.

Dementia affects everyone in the family. We provide support for both the person diagnosed and the people who care for them.

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Other Conditions We Help With

Our psychologists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches across many presentations. Browse our full directory of conditions and therapies we work with.

References

Brodaty, H., & Donkin, M. (2009). Family caregivers of people with dementia. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 11(2), 217–228. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2009.11.2/hbrodaty

Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., Brayne, C., Burns, A., Cohen-Mansfield, J., Cooper, C., Costafreda, S. G., Dias, A., Fox, N., Gitlin, L. N., Howard, R., Kales, H. C., Kivimäki, M., Lai, G. Y., Orgeta, V., … Mukadam, N. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6

Spector, A., Thérgat, L., Kindell, J., de Vries, K., & Orrell, M. (2003). Efficacy of an evidence-based cognitive stimulation therapy programme for people with dementia: Randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Psychiatry, 183(3), 248–254. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.183.3.248

World Health Organization. (2021). Dementia. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia