It's time to talk about dementia in Woollahra

Almost half a million Australians are living with dementia today. Chances are, someone in your family, street or neighbourhood already knows what that means. Dementia Action Week runs from 21 to 27 September 2026, and this year’s message from Dementia Australia is simple: it’s time to talk about dementia.

For Woollahra residents, that conversation doesn’t have to happen alone. Holdsworth works alongside Woollahra Council to help local people connect with the right support, through the Dementia Friendly Woollahra program, which focuses on making Woollahra more dementia inclusive. It’s time to talk about dementia in Woollahra.

What is Dementia Action Week?

Dementia Action Week is a national awareness campaign led by Dementia Australia. Each year it puts a spotlight on one part of the dementia experience that needs more attention. The numbers behind the 2026 campaign are worth sitting with:
  • 446,500 Australians are currently living with dementia
  • 1.7 million people are involved in caring for them
  • Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death
Despite this, dementia is still one of the hardest health topics to raise in everyday conversation. Many people worry about saying the wrong thing, or assume memory loss is just a normal part of getting older. It isn’t. Dementia is caused by changes in the brain, not by age alone, and it can affect people under 65 as well as in later life.

Why silence costs more than an awkward conversation

Avoiding the topic has real consequences. Diagnoses get delayed. Families miss out on support they didn’t know existed. Carers feel isolated because nobody asks how they’re really doing, while people living with dementia can end up cut off from the community connections that help them.

Talking about dementia does three things:

  1. Improves access to support and services, because people find out what’s available sooner.
  2. Builds understanding, so friends, neighbours, and local businesses know how to respond helpfully.
  3. Reduces the shame and misjudgement that too often surrounds a diagnosis.

 

How to start the conversation

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few starting points:

  • With a family member: “I’ve noticed a few changes lately. How are you feeling about things?” is gentler than jumping straight to a diagnosis.
  • With a person living with dementia: Speak to them directly, not just to their carer. Ask what language they prefer, and follow their lead.
  • With a friend who is caring for someone: Ask a specific question, such as “What does a hard day look like for you?

A note on language: how we talk about dementia matters. Dementia Australia’s guidelines recommend “a person living with dementia” rather than “sufferer” or “victim,” and “changed behaviour” rather than “difficult behaviour.” Small shifts like these keep the person, not the diagnosis, at the centre of the conversation.

 

Local support

You don’t need to navigate this alone. In partnership with Woollahra Council, Holdsworth runs two programs designed specifically for Woollahra residents and their families:

Dementia Friendly Woollahra

This program works to make Woollahra a place where people living with dementia can keep shopping, socialising and getting around with confidence. It brings together local businesses, community groups and residents to build a neighbourhood that understands dementia and responds with patience.

Woollahra Connect!

This program helps local residents find and access the aged care and community services that fit their situation, whether that’s a first conversation about a diagnosis, help arranging in-home support, or simply knowing who to call next.

 

Now what: three ways to get involved this Dementia Action Week

  • Start one conversation. With a neighbour, a family member, or a friend who might be caring for someone quietly.
  • Learn the local resources. Bookmark Holdsworth’s Dementia Friendly Woollahra page so you know where to turn when you need it.
  • Reach out. If you or someone you know in Woollahra could use support right now, get in touch with Holdsworth at DementiaFriendlyWoollahra@holdsworth.org.au. We can point you toward the right service, whether that’s through our own programs or elsewhere in the sector.

The National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500) is also available for anyone who wants confidential information or support, at any time of year.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Dementia Action Week 2026?

Dementia Action Week runs from 21 to 27 September 2026. It’s a national campaign led by Dementia Australia, held every year to raise awareness and encourage action on dementia.

What is the theme for Dementia Action Week 2026?

This year’s theme is “It’s time to talk about dementia.” It encourages Australians to have open, everyday conversations about dementia.

How many Australians are living with dementia?

An estimated 446,500 Australians are currently living with dementia, and more than 1.7 million people are involved in caring for them. Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death.

Is dementia a normal part of ageing?

No. Dementia is caused by changes in the brain, not by age on its own. While it’s more common in older adults, it can also affect people under 65.

What’s the best way to talk to someone living with dementia?

Speak to the person directly, ask what language and level of detail they’re comfortable with, and follow their lead. Preferred terms include “a person living with dementia”.

What should I say to a friend or family member I’m worried about?

Start gently and specifically. Something like, “I’ve noticed a few changes lately, how are you feeling about things?” opens the door without jumping straight to a diagnosis.

What is Dementia Friendly Woollahra?

Dementia Friendly Woollahra is a Holdsworth program, funded by Woollahra Council, that works with local businesses, community groups, and residents to make Woollahra easier to live in for people with dementia.

How does Holdsworth help Woollahra residents connect with dementia support?

Holdsworth partners with Woollahra Council to help local residents find and access the right aged care and community services, from an initial conversation about a diagnosis through to helping arrange in-home support.

Who can I call for confidential dementia support?

The National Dementia Helpline is available on 1800 100 500 for information and support at any time of year, not just during Dementia Action Week.