Understanding Alzheimer’s disease
Every September, World Alzheimer’s Day allows us to reflect on the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and to show their carers they are not alone.
Scroll to Explore
24 September 2025
Stories
| Home Care
In this article, you’ll discover:
- The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia – and why understanding the terms matters.
- Key statistics that show the scale of Alzheimer’s disease in Australia and around the world.
- How BaptistCare at home can help, with support at home and Refresh Retreats
Alzheimer’s versus dementia – what’s the difference?
People often use the words interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing.
- Dementia is the umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and daily activities. It isn’t a single disease, but a syndrome caused by different conditions.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but not the only one. It is a progressive brain condition linked to the build-up of abnormal proteins, leading to memory loss, confusion and changes in behaviour.
In other words, all Alzheimer’s is dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding the difference can help you and your loved one understand the diagnosis and plan for the journey ahead.
What the numbers tell us
- According to the World Health Organisation, around 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2021. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and may contribute to 60-70% of cases
- Dementia Australia reports that around 433,000 people are living with dementia in Australia in 2025, a figure that’s expected to almost double by 2054
- Behind these numbers are carers: an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare survey estimated that in 2024, there were at least 101,900 unpaid carers living in the community supporting someone with dementia. Among those who were primary carers in 2022, around 4 in 10 provided 60 or more hours of care each week.
As Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, these statistics highlight the scale of the challenge and the importance of support, both for the person living with Alzheimer’s disease and the people caring for them.
What Alzheimer’s disease can look like
Alzheimer’s disease often begins with small changes: misplaced items, struggling to find words, or getting lost in familiar places. As the condition progresses, you may notice:
- difficulty planning or making decisions
- changes in mood or behaviour
- disorientation to time or place
- challenges with personal care or mobility
- increased need for reassurance and routine
No two journeys are the same. Some people live independently for many years, while others need support earlier.
Support at home
Living with Alzheimer’s disease at home is more than managing symptoms. It’s about staying safe, connected and supported. Having the right team alongside you can make all the difference.
Support at home is available through government programs like Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Program. From 1 November 2025, these services will move to the new Support at Home model, which aims to make accessing care simpler and more flexible.
BaptistCare at home offers a range of services to help people living with all forms of dementia stay safe and independent. Care workers provide everyday support such as personal care and assistance with routines, while nurses keep an eye on health needs, manage medications and give carers practical guidance.
Allied health professionals add another layer of expertise – physiotherapists build strength, balance and mobility through tailored exercises, while occupational therapists provide memory strategies, cognitive reablement techniques and suggest simple home adjustments that make life safer, easier and more fulfilling.
The BaptistCare at home approach focuses on wellbeing and independence. Our care team provides personalised, flexible and compassionate support, tailored to individual needs. This helps people experiencing Alzheimer’s live well and their carers feel supported.
Refresh Retreats
BaptistCare at home also offers three-day, two-night Refresh Retreats for people living with dementia and their carers. Hosted in welcoming, home-like settings, these retreats provide space to rest, learn and connect with others.
Refresh Retreats help equip carers with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to care for someone living with dementia at home, while their loved ones receive quality care and a simultaneous program of engaging activities. Thanks to funding from the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Refresh Retreats are offered free of charge.
Stronger Carers
In the ACT, BaptistCare at home offers the Stronger Carers program, designed to give carers the knowledge, tools and encouragement they need.
Over several weeks, carers take part in one-to-one coaching and group sessions. They also receive tailored resources covering everyday challenges such as communication strategies, responding to behaviour changes, planning respite and navigating local support. Just as importantly, Stronger Carers helps carers focus on their own wellbeing.
Tips for carers
If you’re supporting someone with Alzheimer’s disease, small steps can make daily life easier:
- Talk early. Discuss preferences and wishes while decision-making is still clear.
- Keep a team around you. Involve your GP, BaptistCare at home, and trusted family members.
- Stick to routines. Calendars, labels and familiar activities can provide comfort and reduce anxiety.
- Look after yourself. Accept offers of help, plan regular respite and care for your own health.
- Notice changes. New confusion, agitation or health issues should be discussed with a doctor quickly.
- Stay connected. Even short visits with friends or neighbours can lift spirits and reduce isolation.
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t take away the possibility of joy, connection and purpose. With the right support, people living with Alzheimer’s disease can continue to live well at home and carers can find the strength and encouragement they need.
BaptistCare at home
If you or someone you love is living with Alzheimer’s disease, BaptistCare at home is here to help. From everyday support to Refresh Retreats, we’ll walk alongside you with compassion and care.
Call us today or enquire online to find out more about BaptistCare at home support.