Projected Rise in Dementia Cases in Australia by 2065

Dementia Cases Expected to Surge

Canberra, September 12: A recent government report indicates that by the year 2065, over 1 million Australians are anticipated to be living with dementia.

The updated report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that the number of dementia cases is projected to increase significantly, from approximately 425,000 individuals in 2024 to around 1.1 million by 2065.

Currently, women are more affected than men, with 266,000 women and 159,000 men diagnosed in 2024. This disparity is expected to widen, with estimates suggesting 662,000 women and 390,000 men will be affected by 2065.

In 2023, dementia was identified as the leading cause of death in Australia, resulting in about 17,400 fatalities, including 10,900 women and 6,500 men. The report encompasses various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.

Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia, emphasized the report's findings ahead of Dementia Action Week, which runs from September 15 to 21, highlighting the profound impact dementia has on families across the nation.

The report also underscores the crucial role of caregivers, noting that approximately 42% of primary caregivers for individuals with dementia provided at least 60 hours of care each week in 2022, according to reports.

Dementia is not a singular illness but rather a collective term for a range of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, reasoning, judgment, and behavior, significantly disrupting daily life. It results from diseases that damage brain cells, with Alzheimer's being the most prevalent cause. While memory loss is a common symptom, other indicators include language difficulties, personality shifts, and challenges with balance or daily tasks. Importantly, dementia is not a normal aspect of aging, although it is more frequently observed in older populations.

The condition signifies a decline in cognitive function from a previously higher level, severely impacting daily activities. A person diagnosed with dementia typically experiences two or more specific challenges, including declines in memory, reasoning, language, coordination, mood, and behavior.

Statistics show that between 5% and 8% of individuals over 65 years old have some form of dementia, with this figure doubling every five years beyond that age. It is estimated that nearly half of those aged 85 and older may have dementia.