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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 49(5)

Allied health matters for people with young-onset dementia on the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Clare Beard https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3059-6947 A * , Priscilla Tjokrowijoto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8005-7845 B , Jade Cartwright https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6381-6184 C , Naomi Moylan https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3399-2532 D , Monica Cations https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9262-0463 A and Samantha M. Loi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4953-4500 B E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.

B Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, John Cade level 2, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic 3050, Australia.

C School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tas 7250, Australia.

D Brightwater Care Group, Inglewood, WA 6201, Australia.

E Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic 3052, Australia.

* Correspondence to: Clare.beard@flinders.edu.au

Australian Health Review 49, AH25149 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH25149
Submitted: 9 July 2025  Accepted: 14 August 2025  Published: 4 September 2025

© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of AHHA.

Abstract

Young-onset dementia presents unique care challenges that require comprehensive range of allied health interventions. While Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme serves as the primary post-diagnostic care pathway for accessing these essential services, recent national survey findings reveal significant systemic barriers preventing people with young-onset dementia from obtaining adequate allied health care under this scheme. This perspective article outlines the critical but underrecognised role of allied health professionals in young-onset dementia care management and identifies key access barriers within the NDIS framework, including gaps in public awareness and provider education on young-onset dementia needs, and systemic issues affecting service coordination. Drawing on recent survey data, we briefly discuss current issues and concerns, and present key reform areas with direct implications for policymakers, National Disability Insurance Scheme planners, allied health professionals, and service providers. Our discussion highlights the urgent need for targeted reforms to enhance access to essential allied health professionals and improve outcomes for this growing, vulnerable population.

Keywords: allied health, care needs, dementia, NDIS, NDIS workforce, services, support, young-onset dementia.

References

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