Forward with Dementia
Forward with Dementia is a unique international initiative that empowers people recently diagnosed with dementia—and those who support them—to live positively and meaningfully. The Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) is proud to be a lead contributor and the Australian coordinator of this important program.
Launched as part of the international research project COGNISANCE, Forward with Dementia directly challenges outdated and negative stereotypes of dementia. The website provides evidence-based guidance, tools, and personal stories that offer hope, practical strategies, and support following a dementia diagnosis.
A Positive, Practical Guide After Diagnosis
Forward with Dementia was developed to fill a critical gap that many people experience after diagnosis—the absence of empowering, accessible, and realistic information. The website aims to:
- Shift the narrative from "there's nothing you can do" to "there are ways to live well"
- Highlight the strengths, capabilities and resilience of people with dementia
- Provide tailored advice and practical tools for people with dementia, carers, and health professionals
- Share real stories and strategies from others who are also navigating life with dementia
Though the active research phase is complete, the website remains a valuable resource. It continues to support people in the critical first year following a diagnosis and beyond.
For clinical advice and support in Australia, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
A Global Collaboration
Forward with Dementia is the result of a global partnership involving clinicians, researchers, people living with dementia, carers, and policy advocates across five countries: Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom.
The COGNISANCE project, which underpins the website, was funded through the European Union Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND). This global initiative fosters research collaboration to improve care, diagnosis, and treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Australian research team
- Research assistants
- International partners
- Key collaborators included:
Australian research team
The Australian arm of the COGNISANCE project was led by Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty, Project Leader at CHeBA, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney. The multidisciplinary team included:
- Professor Yun-Hee Jeon, University of Sydney
- Professor Lee-Fay Low, University of Sydney
- Associate Professor Lyn Phillipson, University of Wollongong
- Dr Meredith Gresham, CHeBA, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney
- Ms Nora Wong, CHeBA, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney
Research assistants
- Dr Patricia Knight, Dr Amy Tan, Ms Issra Allam, Mr Jacky Zheng – University of Sydney
- Dr Danika Hall – University of Wollongong
International partners
Researchers and clinicians from leading institutions across the globe contributed to this project:
- Canada: McGill University, University of Waterloo, University of New Brunswick
- Netherlands: Maastricht University
- United Kingdom: University College London, Newcastle University
- Poland: Wroclaw Medical University
Key collaborators included:
- Dementia Alliance International (Kate Swaffer)
- Alzheimer’s Disease International (Wendy Weidner)
- World Health Organisation (Dr Katrin Seeher)
We are deeply grateful to the people living with dementia, their families, and the healthcare professionals whose experiences and insights were central to shaping this work.
Explore the website at for information, inspiration, and guidance.