Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians, according to the latest update from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the AIHW’s Dementia in Australia report, released today (September 12) also found that without a significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia would exceed 1 million by 2065.
“These figures highlight just how many families are impacted by dementia across Australia. Most of us know someone who is or has been impacted by dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.
“People affected by dementia often tell us that friends and family drift away after a diagnosis, because they are unsure of how to interact.”
She said in the lead-up to Dementia Action Week, which starts on Monday (September15) Australians should reach out to those living with the disease.
“That’s why the theme for this year’s Dementia Action Week is ‘Nobody can do it alone’. We are challenging Australians to reconnect with someone impacted by dementia to help combat the high levels of social isolation many experience.”
Professor Buchanan said the latest Dementia in Australia report also revealed that 43 percent of the dementia burden in Australia could be attributed to six modifiable risk factors – being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure in midlife, smoking and impaired kidney function.
“With dementia now the leading cause of death for Australians it is more pressing than ever that the Federal Government commit to funding a national conversation on dementia to raise awareness and promote brain health at all ages,” she said.
“With aged care across the country already under pressure, and the number of people living with dementia expected to exceed 1 million by 2065, we simply cannot afford to wait.”
– If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
