Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Help Sheets

A series of help sheets about various dementia topics have been developed to inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about dementia.

What is dementia?

Diagnosing dementia

Information for family

Memory changes

Alzheimer's disease


Websites

See a list of useful website resources here.


Videos

Watch our videos here.


Other Resources

Worried about your memory - Checklist

What is dementia

Memory changes


Newsletters

Stay in touch with news and research in Dementia Australia's Dementia News


Video developed by italklibrary

Watch the story below, “Love in the Time of Dementia” that was made in collaboration between italklibrary and Carpentaria Disability Services. This story seeks to inform Indigenous communities about caring for family members who have dementia.
 


Worried About Your Memory

This is a community resource filmed in Coffs Harbour aimed at raising awareness of dementia. The DVD includes three short scenarios outlining risk reduction and what to do if people are worried about their own or someone else’s memory. Special target groups are younger people and the local Aboriginal community.


Walkabout Memories

This short DVD was filmed by Steve MacDonald of Life and Times and people from the Gumbaynggirr community volunteered their time to act in the film. The film goes for about 5 minutes and is recorded in an interview format with family members talking about dementia and what can be done to help.
 


You’re Not Alone: Discussing Dementia – Episode 6: Losing the Dreaming

A resource for carers of people living with dementia in the Aboriginal Community. The short film features Birpai Elder Uncle Bill O'Brien discussing his experience of caring for his mother, who had dementia. The resource will be freely available to help carers of people with dementia. Importantly, it emphasises the help that is available and that people are not alone on this journey.
 


The Fading Moon: A Dementia Resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities [DVD]

DVD coverThis DVD was produced to raise awareness about the experiences of Indigenous carers who provide support to family members or friends with dementia. The DVD features the personal stories of carers, and also includes commentary from people working in the dementia field, such as Professor Tony Broe. The DVD consists of five chapters, each of which can be shown individually or collectively:

  • what is dementia
  • how dementia shows up (warning signs)
  • diagnosis
  • the impact (symptoms)
  • carers and support.

Watch The Fading Moon on YouTube.

Please be aware - this resource may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.


Publications

Aboriginal-Carers-Support-GuideAboriginal carers support guide: information for Aboriginal families who are caring for an older person or a person with a disability

 

This leaflet has been developed for Aboriginal people who provide care for an older person or someone with a serious illness or disability. It provides information on how to feel good and keep well while providing ongoing care for a family member or friend. The leaflet also includes a list of organisations that provide information and support services for Aboriginal carers.

Report of the National Indigenous Forum on Dementia, 2007 

 

A two day National Indigenous Dementia Workshop was held in November 2006 with over thirty participants to discuss whether the issue of dementia is a sufficient priority for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take action and to determine what that action might be.

Research in the Kimberley region suggests that the prevalence rates of dementia among remote and rural Indigenous people could be 4-5 times higher than those in the Australian community generally. Research is needed in respect of those Indigenous people living in urban areas.

HACC Service Models for Younger Onset Dementia & People with Dementia and Behaviours of Concern: Issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds  

Date: February 2008 
Authors: Alt. Beatty Consulting for Community Care (Northern Beaches) Inc on behalf of NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. 

Abstract: This report presents findings of consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds in the Metro North Region of Sydney. The consultations were held to assess the cultural appropriateness and relevance of recommendations of the report, Appropriate HACC Service Models for People with Younger Onset Dementia & People with Dementia and Behaviours of Concern.  


 

Family, Friends and Community booklet

Family, Friends and Community booklet

Family, friends and community are important. They help us all get through life’s ups and downs.

  • What can we do to keep this special bond when a family member or friend is living with dementia?
  • How do we stay connected in ways that are meaningful?
  • What interests can we continue to enjoy together?

These are some of the important questions this booklet aims to address.

 


Kimberly Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA)

The Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA) was developed in response to the need for a validated cognitive screening tool for older Indigenous Australians living in rural and remote areas.

Validation of the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment Tool (KICA) in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities of the Northern Territory.
A joint collaboration between Dementia Australia NT, University of Western Australia and National Ageing Research Institute, written by Gail Marsh, Marilyn Inglis, Kate Smith and Dina LoGiudice.

Modification and Validation of the KICA in Victoria.
A study undertaken in Victoria to validate a modified version of the KICA in Indigenous people aged 50 years and over residing in a regional (Mildura) and suburban (Brunswick) area. Conducted by Dr Dina LoGiudice, Professor Stephen Gibson, and John Price from Dementia Australia.