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.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide psychological assessment and support for dementia and cognitive decline across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
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.
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:
Psychological support may be helpful when:
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).
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:
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).
Our psychologists provide a range of evidence-based supports:
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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
