Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease which affects memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion.

As the disease progresses the affected individual becomes dependent on others for help with all aspects of daily life. This care is usually provided by the immediate family and the period of dependency can last for many years. However, as time goes on, many families need increasing assistance with caring, and may decide that full time care provided by health professionals is in everyone's best interests.

The Alzheimer's Association of Queensland (AAQ) offers the practical and emotional help that people diagnosed with dementia and their families need, when they need it. For people living with dementia, help may be needed at anytime, day or night. As most people would prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, AAQ strives to assist in whatever way it can.

AAQ's services are delivered to ensure that the dignity of the person with dementia is respected at all times, and that their independence and abilities are supported. AAQ's approach is to support the maintenance of the place that the person with dementia holds within their families, friendships, and communities for as long as possible. This approach means that activities and care plans are developed with the individual in mind - their interests, needs and abilities being the cornerstone to how services are customized.

AAQ respects the role of the caregiver and recognizes that the well being of the caregiver is equally important. Attending to caregivers' needs through services such as support groups and high quality respite care services will assist families affected by dementia by maintaining their own quality of life and sharing their caring role.