Perth based charity and registered NDIS provider The Dementia Foundation is tackling a growing issue within regional and rural Australia: the lack of specialised supports for those with a Young Onset Dementia (YOD) diagnosis.
Knowledge of dementia and the challenges of navigating this noncommunicable disease (NCD) are limited in regional and remote communities.
The Dementia Foundation’s mission is to raise public awareness and education of young onset dementia whilst providing industry leading specialised support and advocacy.
Research findings from 2025 show that up to 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or even prevented.
To accomplish such outcomes, better integrated health messaging and specialist dementia programs are required.
“Regional and remote Western Australia is under represented for diagnosis and post diagnostic supports,” said Brett Parker, Chair of the Foundation.
Driving for dementia awareness
At the heart of the Foundation’s efforts to elevate the discussion around YOD supports is their Drive4Dementia initiative.
The endurance tarmac based rally event, departing Perth on 31 May 2026, is designed to be a maximum 14 day journey following much of Australia's legendary Highway 1 route and other famous highways.
The event will feature vehicles from partners and sponsors of the event, including a rally car built by the Foundation specifically for the trip.
The Dementia Foundation would not be able to accomplish its community facing mission without the invaluable support of its Western Australian based sponsors and B2B partners 2Flourish, Pentanet and Paywise.
All four organisations share a passion to help all Western Australian communities, a goal which has only been reinforced by recent upticks in cost of living and fuel prices.
The Drive4Dementia initiative will visit regional towns and communities to amplify awareness raising and healthcare messaging.
Representatives will engage with local stakeholders, receive feedback about the level of support available in their communities and provide advice and consultation to anyone who needs direction.
“Drive4Dementia is us putting opportunity on the table for government and community together by taking a federal message and delivering it directly to those in need,” Mr Parker said.
“It is about better integrated health messaging. We need to help, we want to help, no matter the challenges. Thanks to the generous support of our current WA based sponsors, we can go out there and help.”
Establishing lifelines for regional and rural communities
One common obstacle that has been observed is that healthcare professionals are often unsure where they can refer those with a YOD diagnosis.
While the May 2026 Drive4Dementia event is primarily focused on addressing this issue and providing assistance to Western Australians, The Dementia Foundation acknowledges the need for more robust dementia supports nationally.
Over the course of two weeks, the initiative will pass through the Northern Territory and South Australia to bring its advocacy interstate.
Planned stops include Darwin, Yulara, Coober Pedy and Melrose. The event will veer back into WA from the south through the town of Eucla.
In each community The Dementia Foundation’s representatives will seek to establish relationships and build networks of support for local healthcare professionals.
As a registered NDIS provider specialising in supporting those with YOD, The Dementia Foundation can provide a range of services and support such as advocacy and support coordination.
Raising funds to support those with Young Onset Dementia
In addition to raising awareness of YOD, the Drive4Dementia initiative also aims to raise funds for participants.
“[Our] Fundraising Committee is proud to contribute through its fundraising and awareness efforts for initiatives that benefit people living with dementia, their families, and the wider community,” said Jo Stewart, Chair of The Dementia Foundation’s independent Fundraising Committee.
“This includes community projects such as sensory and community resource bags, social and friendship group activities and access to dementia friendly cultural events and activities.”
An open invitation is extended to any individual or organisation who wishes to join or sponsor the event.
The Foundation accepts monetary or in kind sponsorships, including a participation fee for those entering a vehicle in the Drive4Dementia event. Participating entrants are requested to bring their own vehicle. All vehicles will be branded for the event with unique vinyl decals and branding.
Funds raised by the Drive4Dementia initiative will go directly to services for the Western Australian community as designated by the independent Fundraising Committee.
Participate in Drive4Dementia today
The Drive4Dementia initiative is ultimately about helping those with a YOD diagnosis and bringing the community together.
The Dementia Foundation welcomes and encourages any involvement or support from those who wish to promote equity and raise the standard of living for those in need.
To learn more about the initiative and how to contribute, visit drive4dementia.com.au.
