Many things other than ageing alone can cause memory problems. Health conditions may include depression, dementia (severe problems with memory and thinking, such as Alzheimer's disease), Parkinson’s disease, and some combinations of medicines causing memory loss.
Dementia
There are many different forms of dementia and each form has its own cause. Certain types of dementia are more common than others such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Korsakoff's syndrome, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
Alzheimer's Australia
Helpline: 1800 100 500
A section of the website is focused on understanding dementia and memory loss exploring issues such as risk factors, treatment, care, and changes in behaviour. It also provides information about support for families and carers such as support groups, counselling, and education and training. There is also information about vascular dementia, Korsakoff's syndrome, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
SA Branch
Alzheimer's Australia
27 Conyngham Street
GLENSIDE SA 5065
Telephone: 8372 2100
Fax: 8338 3390
Email: alzsa@alzheimerssa.asn.au
Depression
Depression is not considered to be a natural feature of ageing. It is a widespread health problem and with the right treatment, most people return to normal healthy living.
beyond maturityblues
beyond blue
Contact: Jane Barnett
Telephone: 8232 0422
Email: jbarnett@seniorsvoice.org.au
Beyond maturityblues is an educational program funded by beyondblue (till 2013) and aims to raise awareness of anxiety and depression in older people. Speakers are provided, free of charge, to go to any community group across the state. The talks are usually about 45 minutes long and cover what the symptoms of depression might be, why older people are more at risk, ways to help yourself or others and where to go for help. Information can be tailored to suit groups e.g. volunteers, carers, and chronic illness groups. Bi-lingual speakers are available who can talk to Greek, Italian, Vietnamese and Chinese groups.
COTA Seniors Voice
16 Hutt Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Postal Address:
GPO Box 1583,
Adelaide SA 5001
Telephone: 8232 0422
Fax: 8232 0433
Email: seniorsvoice@seniorsvoice.org.au
Depression in older people
beyond blue
Contact: Sue Gherdovich
Telephone: 03 9810 6100
This page contains news and media, programs and projects, information and resources, and research about depression in older people.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia Inc
Telephone: 8272 1018
MIFA is a community-based, not for profit organisation delivering a range of programs and services for people affected by mental illness, carers and the community. Fact sheets are provided on a range of mental illness including depression and anxiety. They offer a variety of services including personal helpers and mentors, therapeutic groups, activity programs and peer work project. For help finding information and support, phone 1800 985 944.
MIFSA
5 Cooke Terrace
Wayville, SA
Postal Address:
PO Box 310,
Marleston, SA 5033
Telephone: 8378 4100
Fax 8378 4199
Email: mifsa@mifsa.org
Memory loss caused by medications
Older people are more likely to take a range of medications for long lasting disorders than younger people. In some cases, a drug (or a combination of drugs) may cause memory loss. The following resources are provided by the National Prescribing Service, funded by the Department of Health and Ageing.
Medicines and you
Telephone: 8232 0422
These education sessions are offered by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Seniors Voice, free of charge to seniors groups, clubs and organizations. Key messages are: talking to a health professional, getting to know your medicines and managing your medicines.
COTA Seniors Voice
16 Hutt Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Postal Address:
GPO Box 1583,
Adelaide SA 5001
Telephone: 8232 0422
Fax: 8232 0433
Email: seniorsvoice@seniorsvoice.org.au
MedicineList
MedicineList has been created to collate the important things to know — such as the name of all your medicines, what they are for, the dose and when to take them. It helps keep track of medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal and natural medicines
Medimate
Medimate gives information about medicines and how to interact with them - the questions to ask health practitioners and pharmacists, side effects, use of consumer medicine leaflets, and facts about generic medicines.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease develops over a period of time impairing brain function and affecting the control of body movements. It is not able to be passed on by contact and does not cause death.
Parkinson’s Australia
Telephone: 0407 703 328
Parkinson’s Australia offers a newsletter, fact sheets and other resources, counselling, group support, education and training, and information about referrals to other groups.
Parkinson’s SA
23a King William Road
Unley SA 5061
Postal Address:
PO Box 466
Unley SA 5061
Telephone: 8357 8909
Fax: 8357 8876
Email : info@parkinsonssa.org.au
