Graeme Fleming, aged just 65, is used to the surprise reaction of people he meets when they learn he lives with dementia.

Graeme, of Port Sorell, was diagnosed about two years ago with Younger Onset Dementia (YOD) after noticing something was “not quite right” with his memory. After a plethora of tests and scans, the dementia diagnosis was confirmed by his geriatrician.

Graeme, formerly an electrician with HydroTasmania, said: “People ask me how can you have dementia – you are not old!”

Graeme and wife Amanda, his care partner, are telling their story of living with a cognitive disability to encourage carers of people living with dementia and health professionals providing care to attend free, local events on supporting complex dementia this month.

Dementia Support Australia, an Australian Government funded dementia behaviour support program, is hosting the supporting complex dementia events in Launceston at the Hotel Verge on Wednesday, February 21 and Burnie at the Burnie Central Townhouse Hotel on Thursday, February 22.

Event Details

Launceston: Supporting complex dementia for carers and health professionals  

Date: Wednesday, 21 February 2024  
Location: Hotel Verge - Launceston, Converge Room, 50 Tamar Street, Launceston TAS 7250  
Time:  2:00pm - 5:00pm, registration opens from 1:30pm. Networking session from 5:00pm in the Converge Room  

Burnie: Supporting complex dementia for carers and health professionals  

Date: Thursday, 22 February 2024  
Location: Burnie Central Townhouse Hotel, Portside Room, 139 Wilson Street, Burnie TAS 7320  
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm, registration opens from 12:45pm. Networking session from 4:00pm in the Portside Room

For more information and registering for these free events, click here.

The events bring together Tasmanian experts in dementia and others across Australia to help unpack some of the common issues and concerns people have when providing care. One of Australia’s leading clinicians in dementia, Associate Professor Steve Macfarlane, Head of DSA Clinical Services, will be available to answer questions.

Amanda is proud of how her husband of 43 years is handling his diagnosis. He still perseveres with tasks that challenge him like online banking and bill payments for the family.

She said, as a care partner, she found taking life one step at a time was helpful.

“I take each day as it comes. At the beginning, when Graeme was first diagnosed, I was often tearful thinking about what had changed. These days I have a better perspective on things and value what we have,” she said.

Graeme, a father of two and grandfather of six, said remembering small things often troubled him. “I will put something down, like my glasses, and I can never remember where,” he said.

“Put me on a golf course and I am happy as Larry – never miss a thing – but ask me about something a few minutes ago and I am not so good.

"There are times I struggle a bit with the score card,” said Graeme, who has held many positions with the Port Sorrell Golf Club.

Retired now, Graeme is “pretty optimistic” about the future and enjoys “chasing his grandkids about”. He devotes much of his time keeping his mind active with plenty of puzzles.

Head of DSA Marie Alford said a feature of the events will be opportunity for carers to ask questions of the experts during the panel and Q & A sessions as well as during the post event in a casual networking space.

“In previous events we’ve had questions around how best to respond when behaviours change unexpectedly, what to do if someone is at risk and how to get the right support,” she said. 

“Many people living with dementia will experience some change to their behaviour over time. If we understand the causes of these changes, we can better respond. This is good for the person living with dementia and those that provide care.”

Marie said when people think about changing behaviours for those living with dementia, they are really talking about the behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia, commonly known as BPSD.

These might include agitation, aggression, disinhibition, apathy, sleep disturbances, distress, and wayfinding difficulties.  

“Whilst it is easy to focus on the behaviour we see – what is more important is understanding what is behind the behaviour,” she said.

Among the topics to be addressed at the supporting complex dementia events include how depression and anxiety can impact dementia, the difference between mental health and dementia, the best ways to support people with dementia to continue at home as long as possible and advice on families and care providers can work together on extra care when it’s needed.