dementia

Global study links emotional connection to better mental health in later life

September 30, 2025 by lvo@nswnma.asn.au Leave a Comment

A global study has found that emotional connection and support is linked to significantly lower levels of depression as people age.

Emotional connection found to matter more than practical help

Depression affects over 25 million people globally. Amongst older adults, it’s not only a mental health issue – it is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and dementia.

Dr Suraj Samtani, Post-Doctoral Fellow at UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) and lead author of the study, noted that emotional support, more than practical help with daily tasks, played a vital role against depression in older age.

“[The research] highlights how crucial it is for older people to feel heard, understood, and emotionally connected to others,” Dr Samtani said.

What the research uncovered

Led by CHeBA through an International Consortium (COSMIC), the research team studied individual-level data to conduct one of the most comprehensive investigations into the mental health effects of social support in ageing populations.

The study involved a large-scale analysis of international data, combining insights across 11 countries and nearly 240,000 individuals between the ages of 54-99.

The study found a consistent link between emotional support, such as having someone to talk to when feeling distressed, and lower levels of depression. In contrast, instrumental support, such as practical help with daily tasks, was not found to have the same mental health benefits.

Dr Samtani explained that while it’s not that practical help isn’t valuable, it “[d]oesn’t appear to protect against depression in the same way.”

“In fact, for some people, needing help with everyday tasks may increase feelings of helplessness or loss of independence,” Dr Samtani commented.

Consistent findings across cultures

The research combined data from across 11 countries including Australia, the United States, South Korea, Sweden, and Brazil. The findings were consistent across most regions, with only one study in an Asian sample identifying a connection between instrumental support and lower depression levels.

“We were surprised by how robust the link was across such diverse countries. From Australia to South Korea, emotional support mattered,” said Dr Samtani.

Call to action for public health

Findings from this research suggest that future public health initiatives should focus on building emotional support networks as a way to protect mental health in ageing populations.

“Promoting opportunities for older people to share, connect, and feel emotionally supported could be a key strategy in preventing depression,” said Dr Samtani.

“This study adds weight to the idea that loneliness and lack of emotional connection aren’t just sad, they’re dangerous.”

One million Australians could be living with dementia by 2065

September 19, 2025 by lvo@nswnma.asn.au Leave a Comment

Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians, according to a recent report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). In 2024, an estimated 425,000 Australians were living with dementia – the equivalent of 16 people per 1000. By 2065, it is expected to exceed one million.

The report highlighted nearly half of the cases – around 43% – were attributed to risk factors that can be avoided or reduced, known as modifiable risk factors.

“These figures highlight just how many families are impacted by dementia across Australia. Most of us know someone who is or has been impacted by dementia,” said Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanon.

There are a range of risk factors that contribute to the risk of developing dementia. While some cannot be prevented, certain health behaviors can assist in minimising modifiable risks.

There are numerous forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most commonly known. Dementia is not inevitable, and although aging is the main risk factor, it is not restricted to age groups; it can develop in people under the age of 65, and in some cases, even children.

Whilst some risk factors for dementia, such as age and genetics, cannot be prevented, the report highlighted six modifiable risk factors that contributed to 43% of the dementia burden in 2024. These included tobacco use, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure in midlife (35-64 years), high blood plasma glucose, and impaired kidney function.

The findings of this report are a ‘call to action’ for Australian policy makers to integrate health into primary care, as part of a formalised care framework, according to Dr Anthony Marinucci, Chair of RACGP Specific Interested Aged Care.

“We’ve seen this progression of dementia slowly climbing up the charts of the AIHW data. The policy makers have to flag the importance of this. And that really means integrating brain health into primary care…[w]e know that we can really make a difference in the amount of dementia diagnosed, the amount of dementia cases in the country, just simply by helping patients reduce risk factors throughout their life.”

“Having said that, for all of dementia, we do need a framework of care for GPs to follow, and that includes early diagnosis and referral.”

Echoing this sentiment, Professor Buchanon believes by taking a comprehensive approach to addressing dementia, we can reduce the impact of the disease into the future.

“With dementia now the leading cause of death for Australians, it is more pressing than ever that the federal government commit to funding a national conversation on dementia to raise awareness and promote brain health at all ages,” said Buchanon.

Dementia Action Week runs from 15 – 21 September.

Visit dementia.org.au/dementiaactionweek to access a range of resources and information to support Australians to reconnect with someone impacted by dementia.

Terminal lucidity: why do loved ones with dementia sometimes ‘come back’ before death?

May 27, 2024 by Rayan Calimlim Leave a Comment

Dementia is often described as “the long goodbye”. Although the person is still alive, dementia slowly and irreversibly chips away at their memories and the qualities that make someone “them”.

Dementia eventually takes away the person’s ability to communicate, eat and drink on their own, understand where they are, and recognise family members.

Since as early as the 19th century, stories from loved ones, caregivers and health-care workers have described some people with dementia suddenly becoming lucid. They have described the person engaging in meaningful conversation, sharing memories that were assumed to have been lost, making jokes, and even requesting meals.

It is estimated 43% of people who experience this brief lucidity die within 24 hours, and 84% within a week.

Why does this happen?

Terminal lucidity or paradoxical lucidity?

In 2009, researchers Michael Nahm and Bruce Greyson coined the term “terminal lucidity”, since these lucid episodes often occurred shortly before death.

But not all lucid episodes indicate death is imminent. One study found many people with advanced dementia will show brief glimmers of their old selves more than six months before death.

Lucidity has also been reported in other conditions that affect the brain or thinking skills, such as meningitis, schizophrenia, and in people with brain tumours or who have sustained a brain injury.

Moments of lucidity that do not necessarily indicate death are sometimes called paradoxical lucidity. It is considered paradoxical as it defies the expected course of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

But it’s important to note these episodes of lucidity are temporary and sadly do not represent a reversal of neurodegenerative disease.

Why does terminal lucidity happen?

Scientists have struggled to explain why terminal lucidity happens. Some episodes of lucidity have been reported to occur in the presence of loved ones. Others have reported that music can sometimes improve lucidity. But many episodes of lucidity do not have a distinct trigger.

A research team from New York University speculated that changes in brain activity before death may cause terminal lucidity. But this doesn’t fully explain why people suddenly recover abilities that were assumed to be lost.

Paradoxical and terminal lucidity are also very difficult to study. Not everyone with advanced dementia will experience episodes of lucidity before death. Lucid episodes are also unpredictable and typically occur without a particular trigger.

And as terminal lucidity can be a joyous time for those who witness the episode, it would be unethical for scientists to use that time to conduct their research. At the time of death, it’s also difficult for scientists to interview caregivers about any lucid moments that may have occurred.

Explanations for terminal lucidity extend beyond science. These moments of mental clarity may be a way for the dying person to say final goodbyes, gain closure before death, and reconnect with family and friends. Some believe episodes of terminal lucidity are representative of the person connecting with an afterlife.

Why is it important to know about terminal lucidity?

People can have a variety of reactions to seeing terminal lucidity in a person with advanced dementia. While some will experience it as being peaceful and bittersweet, others may find it deeply confusing and upsetting. There may also be an urge to modify care plans and request lifesaving measures for the dying person.

Being aware of terminal lucidity can help loved ones understand it is part of the dying process, acknowledge the person with dementia will not recover, and allow them to make the most of the time they have with the lucid person.

For those who witness it, terminal lucidity can be a final, precious opportunity to reconnect with the person that existed before dementia took hold and the “long goodbye” began.

Yen Ying Lim, Associate Professor, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University and Diny Thomson, PhD (Clinical Neuropsychology) Candidate and Provisional Psychologist, Monash University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The festive season is fast approaching, and if you’re organising celebrations with family or friends, you might be grappling with a seemingly endless to-do list. But as you make these plans, it’s important to consider how you can best include any friends or loved ones living with dementia.

While no two people experience dementia in the exact same way, dementia often affects the way people process and respond to their environment. Too much stimulation – like a lot of noise and activity at a Christmas party – can be overwhelming and may cause confusion or agitation.

Finding ways to create a safe environment at home for your loved one with dementia will help maximise the chances everyone has a good time.

1. Plan ahead, but be flexible

Planning celebrations can be overwhelming for everyone involved, and having excessive expectations can raise stress levels. Try to keep expectations realistic and in line with the current needs of your friend or loved one living with dementia.

For example, people with dementia may experience changes in their appetite or food preferences, or difficulties chewing and swallowing. These changes might make some of the things on your festive menu unappetising or difficult to eat. Be guided by the needs and preferences of the person with dementia and keep options limited to one or two special foods if larger banquets are likely to be overwhelming.

Things can change quickly for people living with dementia and their abilities will likely vary from day to day. Try to be flexible and have a backup plan in place. For special events, plan to record speeches or ceremonies to share when things are quieter.

If you’re planning a large event, consider having a smaller gathering with your loved one with dementia and just a few special people.

2. Stick to the familiar

The sudden appearance of lots of decorations may be overwhelming for a person with dementia and trigger a negative sensory reaction or distress. Ensure decorations are safe and familiar and put them up slowly over a period of a few days.

Try to also stick to familiar traditions and routines. Daily routines are an important way of supporting people with dementia and sudden changes may result in agitation and distress. Stick to routine eating, bathing, and rest times where possible throughout the holiday period.

For many people with dementia, long-term memories are less affected than more recent memories. Familiar family traditions can therefore be a good way to reminisce. Family keepsakes or memory books can also help connect with stories from past celebrations.

3. Have a quiet space

Try to have a quiet place where the person living with dementia can go if things become overwhelming. Designating a support person who can stay with them throughout the day and take them to a separate room or area away from the action can help to keep things calm.

Having some familiar objects or quiet music in the space can be a good way to block out the noise of activities and reduce agitation.

4. Make sure everyone has a part

Everyone wants to feel a part of the activities on a special day, including people living with dementia. Ensuring everyone has a role to play may mean modifying tasks to suit the abilities of the person with dementia.

For example, if you’re hosting an event at home, try to get your friend or relative with dementia involved in the kitchen by tossing the salad or helping to set the table.

People with dementia are still the same person, even if their abilities have changed or they can no longer communicate their needs and feelings like they used to. It’s important to treat everyone with dignity and try to include your friends and loved ones with dementia in celebrations whenever possible.

Sometimes, you can’t be together

Despite the best laid plans, sometimes it won’t be possible to share in festive celebrations with your loved one living with dementia. More advanced dementia, aged care visitor restrictions or even just distance can keep many of us apart from our loved ones.

Be prepared for this separation to bring up your own feelings of grief or sadness. Look after your mental health as well as the person with dementia.

Caring responsibilities still largely fall to women and it’s important to share the load. Where possible, the holidays can be a good time to think about giving primary carers a break to help them recharge for the year ahead.

If you’re caring for someone with dementia and need support, Dementia Australia or Carer Gateway offer useful resources.

Nikki-Anne Wilson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), UNSW Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.