Dementia Psychiatrist Sydney | Alzheimer's and BPSD

Conditions

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions involving progressive decline in memory, thinking and the ability to manage everyday life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause, alongside vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and front otemporal dementia, each with its own pattern. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and a thorough assessment of changes in memory or thinking always matters: some causes of cognitive change, including depression, medication effects, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies, are treatable and reversible.

Assessment and diagnosis

Geriatric psychiatrists consulting at Mind Connections provide comprehensive cognitive and psychiatric assessment, distinguishing dementia from depression (which can closely mimic it in older adults), delirium and other causes, clarifying the type of dementia where possible, and establishing a clear baseline for the future. Early and accurate diagnosis gives families time to plan, access support, and make the most of treatments and strategies that work best in the earlier stages.

Behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD)

As dementia progresses, most people experience behavioural and psychological symptoms at some point: agitation, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, hallucinations, suspiciousness, wandering or changed behaviours. These symptoms are frequently the most distressing part of dementia for both the person and their carers, and they are a core focus of geriatric psychiatric care. Assessment looks for what is driving each symptom, including pain, physical illness, medication effects, unmet needs and environmental factors, before reaching for solutions. Management prioritises non-medication strategies, with medication used judiciously where symptoms are severe, always with careful attention to safety in this age group.

Emerging treatments and research

Research into dementia treatment is moving quickly. Among emerging approaches, rTMS shows promise in early to moderate Alzheimer's dementia and is available at Mind Connections; your psychiatrist can advise honestly on the current evidence and whether it is a reasonable option in your situation.

Supporting carers

Caring for someone with dementia is one of the most demanding roles a person can hold, and carer wellbeing is treated as part of the clinical picture at Mind Connections, not an afterthought. Consultations welcome family members, and clinicians provide practical guidance on managing symptoms at home, planning for the future, accessing services such as My Aged Care and respite, and recognising when carers need support of their own.

Frequently asked questions

Is memory loss a normal part of ageing?

Mild slowing of recall can be normal, but forgetting recent conversations and events repeatedly, getting lost in familiar places, struggling with familiar tasks, or personality change are not. These warrant assessment, and earlier is always better.

Could it be something other than dementia?

Yes, and this is a key reason to be assessed. Depression, medication side effects, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, sleep disorders and delirium can all mimic dementia and are treatable. Assessment rules these in or out before any dementia diagnosis is made.

What is the benefit of an early diagnosis if dementia cannot be cured?

Early diagnosis allows treatment that works best early, time to plan finances, legal matters and care preferences while the person can fully participate, access to supports, and treatment of accompanying depression or anxiety. Families consistently say they wish they had sought assessment sooner.

How do you manage agitation and distressing behaviours?

By first finding the cause: pain, infection, medication effects, unmet needs, overstimulation or fear commonly drive these symptoms. Non-medication strategies come first, with medication used carefully where symptoms are severe, reviewed regularly, and never as a substitute for understanding the behaviour.

Does Mind Connections offer anything beyond standard dementia care?

Geriatric psychiatric expertise in BPSD is itself a specialised service, and rTMS, which shows promise in early to moderate Alzheimer's dementia, is available on site. Your psychiatrist will give you a straightforward account of the evidence.

Can the person with dementia attend appointments alone?

In the earlier stages, sometimes. In general, a family member or carer is encouraged to attend, both to provide history the person may not recall and to receive guidance themselves. The person's own voice and preferences remain central throughout.

What support exists for me as a carer?

Practical guidance through our consultations, and connection to services including My Aged Care, Dementia Australia (1800 100 500), respite care and carer support programs. Carer exhaustion and depression are common and treatable; please raise them, because your wellbeing matters and directly affects the person you care for.

Getting Started

Your first appointment, made simple

Visit our 'What to expect' page to learn more about the booking process.

Obtain a referral

For psychiatry, ask your GP for a referral. For psychology, ask your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan and referral. This is what enables your Medicare rebates.