Understanding dementia | mate wareware can feel overwhelming, especially in the early stages. Our education hub (Dementia Navigator) brings together trusted information to help people build knowledge and confidence at their own pace.
The hub includes a series of online learning modules covering topics such as what dementia is, getting a diagnosis, early planning, and the different types of dementia. There are also modules that explore changes that can occur, including behaviour, hallucinations, and disinhibition.
Each module includes short lessons alongside practical resources such as information sheets, videos and links to further support.
Dementia Navigator has been designed for people living with dementia, care partners, whānau, and health professionals looking for clear information about dementia and support after a diagnosis.
You can learn at any time and work through the modules in the order that suits you. Once registered, you’ll have 12 months of access to the learning materials.
Dementia Navigator is free for those living with dementia, care partners and whānau.
Reviews
Before finding the Dementia Navigator, I was drowning in fear. Donald’s diagnosis has left me confused and scared. This hub is going to become my lifeline. I took the ‘Understanding Dementia’ module first and finally understand why his symptoms are different from our neighbour’s. Having all the modules in one place means that I don’t have to spend hours sifting through unreliable Google searches. Thank you, it felt like someone finally handed me a flashlight in a dark room.
Evelyn (wife), Waikato
Dad and I live two hours from the city on a farm, so our rural location does not make it easy to get to appointments or have support services come to us. This online e-hub format is a god send as it removes the location barrier altogether. The Dementia Navigator has turned my anxiety into actionable skills. Every care partner needs access to this.
Jonathan (care partner), Lakes
Congratulations Dementia New Zealand, what a wonderful educational tool. We look forward to sharing the Dementia Navigator with our clients and amongst our clinical team. This tool is a great way to tackle stigma and help so many in need.
Aaron (health professional), Dunedin
I visit dozens of homes each month, and the number one thing families lack is foundational knowledge. The ‘Dementia and Behaviours’ module is my go-to. Instead of me spending 45 minutes explaining why Mrs. Chen resists showers, I have shown the family the Navigator together. They finally understand that behaviours are communication, not defiance. The e-hub is consistent, evidence-based, and available 24/7. It’s like having a second nurse on my team.
Maricia (Community nurse), New Plymouth
My caseload is overwhelming, and caregiver burnout is rampant. The Dementia Navigator triages the basics for me. I will encourage families to register to the hub during our first session.
Manuel (aged care social worker), Auckland
Post-diagnosis anxiety is real, and families often leave my office in shock, remembering nothing. The Dementia Navigator provides structured, paced learning. The ‘Understanding Dementia’ module helps families differentiate between Lewy body, Frontotemporal, and Alzheimer’s – which directly impacts their expectations. The ‘Early Planning’ module reduces reactive decision-making. I now recommend the hub as ‘homework’ between sessions. It empowers families while protecting my clinical boundaries. A truly professional-grade resource. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Vivienne (Psychologist), Wellington
This is awesome, thank you for sharing this with me!
The ‘Dementia and Behaviours’ module has changed our household dynamic. My mum was experiencing severe agitation at bath time, and it turns out I have been reacting emotionally. The Dementia Navigator didn’t just give me an understanding to clinical definitions; it has given me practical advice and visual cues to use. I learned that her ‘sundowning’ wasn’t personal – it is just part of the condition. I am pleased to report we have gone down from 3 meltdowns a day to just 1. The Dementia Navigator is worth its weight in gold.
Alyssia (daughter, care partner), Hawkes Bay
For two years, I thought I was a bad daughter because I felt resentful. The Caring for the Carer Dementia Talk was the first place that told me that ‘Care Partner Burnout’ is real and how to spot it. Gentle, simple, easy to understand advice. Knowing the specific differences between Alzheimer’s and Frontotemporal Dementia helped us adjust the home environment.
Lauren (care partner), Auckland
As a GP, I have limited time to educate families during a 15-minute appointment. The Dementia Navigator will be one of my most trusted referral tools. The modules -especially the ones on early planning and types of dementia – help families understand diagnoses before their next visit. Hopefully this will help our patients to have more realistic expectations. It saves me hours of repetitive explanations and reduces family distress. I now keep the link pinned in my clinic’s patient resources. Thank you for sending this to us.
Craig (GP), Palmerston North
The early planning module is a standout. Most of my clients wait until a crisis to modify their home or discuss legal wishes. The Dementia Navigator shifts that timeline. I am looking forward to sharing the ‘Early Planning’ and ‘Understanding Dementia’ modules before the first home assessments with clients. This hub doesn’t just educate – it activates.
Dan (OT), Gisborne