The number of people with dementia in Australia is projected to double over the next 30 years.
Currently, dementia is the second leading cause of death for Australians and the leading cause of death for women. Without a breakthrough, dementia will soon be the leading cause of death for Australians.
The projected rise in dementia cases in Australia is a direct consequence of our ageing population.
This is because our risk of developing dementia significantly increases as we age.
Less than one in every 1,000 people under the age of 60 develops dementia.
However, among those aged 75 to 79, 71 in 1,000 will be diagnosed with dementia. For those aged over 90, the figure rises to 429 in 1,000. Women are at a much higher risk of developing dementia than men.
So, what can be done to better support those with dementia, and how can individuals reduce their risk?
According to experts, governments need to place more emphasis on the risk reduction of dementia. It is this approach that has led to a reduction in the number of heart attacks and strokes in Australia each year.
Experts have identified several factors that can increase your risk of developing dementia. These include:
· Inactivity
· Air pollution
· Excessive alcohol consumption
· Obesity
· Smoking
· Diabetes
· High cholesterol
· Social isolation
· Depression
By addressing these issues, individuals can help reduce their risk of developing dementia later in life. Placing an emphasis on prevention rather than treatment not only improves health outcomes for individuals but also reduces pressure on the health system.
How should we respond to this growing issue?
Responding to the growing number of people being diagnosed with dementia will require the government to think about how it is going to support them. To help with this task, it is currently in the process of developing a National Dementia Action Plan.
Currently, several treatments are available, but there is no known cure. One in three people with dementia live in the community, with the rest in specialist care.
The government will also need to consider how to manage a decrease in the working population with an increase in the number of people needing dementia care. Based on current projections, Australia will not have enough workers to provide the level of care required. This could affect the standard of care dementia patients receive, and place an added burden on family members to care for them.
At the moment, many Australians with dementia are ending up in hospital rather than being cared for at home or in aged care. This places unnecessary strain on the hospital system and affects the level of care that dementia patients receive. Research indicates that on many occasions, dementia patients suffer worse outcomes as a result of being admitted to hospital.
Ensuring access to dementia care in regional areas is also a challenge that needs addressing.
In addition, the timely diagnosis of dementia by GPs needs to be improved. Currently, it takes an average of three years to get a diagnosis of dementia. During this period, patients are often in a state of limbo, not knowing what is happening to them and why. This increases stress on families and reduces the opportunity to pursue early interventions.
Australia’s ageing population makes dementia an increasing issue that requires urgent attention. However, proper planning can help to reduce its impact on society.
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1. Dementia Australia (22 February 2024) New figures show dementia prevalence to almost double over 30 years Dementia Australia, accessed 8 October 2024.
2. Taylor, C (17 September 2024) With dementia cases set to triple by 2050 in our region, there are 14 risk factors to watch for, ABC News, accessed 8 October 2024.
4. Yussuf, A (13 September 2024) The number of Australians living with dementia projected to more than double by 2058, ABC News, accessed 8 October 2024.