Donna went from barely surviving to living well.

Without a major medical breakthrough, it’s estimated that almost 800,000 Australians will be living with dementia by 2058. Soon it will become the leading cause of death. But there is hope. With the right support, people like Donna can go from barely surviving, to living well with dementia. 

That’s why we need your help this Easter. 

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Watch Donna's Story

3:07

Donna with her siblings, 1967

Meet Donna

Dementia doesn't
discriminate

Donna was diagnosed with dementia in her early 50s. Although dementia is a lot less common in people under 65, heartbreakingly, some people as young as 35 have been diagnosed.

When the diagnosis came, Donna’s family didn’t know how to help her or how to navigate the condition. She struggled to find support and soon she had to stop work. She felt increasingly alone.

It was when someone finally referred her to Dementia Australia that Donna realised support was out there.

“It felt like a death sentence. There’s a stigma around dementia. As soon as you say you’ve been diagnosed, people don’t know how to deal with it, so they avoid you.”

- Donna, 58, lives with younger onset dementia

Donna with her granddaughter, Isla

Gift a donation to 
Dementia Australia this Easter

We urgently need your help to provide more support services to people like Donna. 

With your help we can change the future for people living with dementia, their families and carers. By making a tax-deductible donation this Easter you can help us make sure people like Donna never feel alone.

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How much would you like to donate?

$152
could provide essential library and information services for people impacted by dementia like Donna and her family.
$209
could help fund support group meetings or memory loss programs so that people like Donna can find ways to live well with dementia.
$359
could help fund research into dementia treatments and ultimately a cure to save the lives of people like Donna.
$500
could help us develop new ways to reach people who are geographically or socially isolated, so that help is at hand for everyone who needs it.
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Research and support services for people living with dementia, their families and carers
Dementia research only

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Donna with her son, Josh 

"You don't heal from dementia. There is no cure."

For Donna, some days are good, but others are overwhelming. At times, Donna sees a statue as something real. Or her arms give out so much she can’t cut up vegetables for dinner. Then there’s her memory. She often forgets to plug in the kettle or put the timer on for cooking.

"You just have to do everything you can to slow down the process. But I’m scared of losing my independence. I’m scared that I’ll forget my children and grandchildren.”

We urgently need more funding to cope with the growing demand for our services. Will you please support us this Easter in helping more Australians live well with dementia.

How your support helps
people like Donna

Support services and programs that help improve quality of life.

Expert information and specialised education to support people impacted by dementia.

Research into ways to delay, prevent, and treat dementia.

Donna with her family