Dementia deaths doubled in last decade
ABS figures show that deaths from dementia have more than doubled in the past decade, confirming the growing and worrying trend the illness presents to Australian society and the economy, Alzheimer’s Australia Vic has said.
“The ABS statistics highlight the significant health, social and economic problems dementia presents for this country into the future,” Lynette Moore, Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Australia Vic said today.
“With dementia and Alzheimer’s having moved from the seventh leading cause of death to the fourth, now is the time to take a long-term view and plan properly for the future of aged care and dementia care in Australia.”
Moore said that the total financial cost of dementia in 2002 was $6.6 billion – over $40,000 per annum per person with dementia.
“By 2051 the financial impact of dementia is projected to total 3.3% of gross domestic product. This, combined with today’s ABS figures, confirms that dementia presents a growing social and economic problem,” Moore says.
“While some researchers indicate a medical breakthrough will come within five to ten years, others are less optimistic.
“They all agree however, that we need to greatly increase funding for research if we are to achieve the ultimate aim of curing and preventing dementia.
“Yet while research seeks a ‘cure for tomorrow’, we need to ensure we are all reducing our own risk of developing dementia. There is current evidence that certain lifestyle habits may reduce your risk of dementia.
“Alzheimer’s Australia’s Mind your Mind program encourages people to take steps towards a healthier mind and body in order to help reduce this risk.”
Statistics on dementia:
- 234,640 people have dementia in Australia, with the number expected to be 731,030 by 2050 unless there is a medical breakthrough
- 60,000 people have dementia in Victoria, with the number expected to be 84,000 by 2020, and 176,000 by 2050
- One in four Australians with dementia are Victorian
- 161 cases of dementia are discovered every day in Australia, 41 cases in Victoria
- Over one million Australians are involved in caring for a family member or friend with dementia
- By 2016 dementia will be the largest cause of disability burden in Australia.
(Source: Access Economics)
For more information, advice and support contact Alzheimer’s Australia Vic via the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or www.alzheimers.org.au
