Dementia becomes leading cause of deathin Australia

DEMENTIA is now the leading cause of death for Australians, a new report has revealed.

The Dementia in Australia report, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare ahead of Dementia Action Week (September 15-21), also warns that, without major intervention, more than one million Australians will be living with dementia by 2065.

Dementia Australia chief executive Professor Tanya Buchanan said the findings highlight the urgent need for a national response.

“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.

“We simply cannot afford to wait. We call on the government to take decisive action. People living with dementia, their families and carers are depending on us to do this right, and to do it now.”

Dementia advocate Lil Mirtl, who lives with dementia, said the report reflects the lived reality of many Australians and illustrated the need to provide people with appropriate support and services.

“We don’t have time to feel uncomfortable or awkward about these conversations about dementia — we need to have them now.

“We have to pull together as a community to do this. We can’t do it alone as individuals, the government can’t do it alone, we need to all act together.”

The report, Professor Buchanan said, exposes the effect dementia has on families across Australia, and urged everyone to play a part in supporting those affected.

“Most of us know someone who is or has been impacted by dementia. People affected by dementia often tell us that friends and family drift away after a diagnosis, because they are unsure how to interact.

“We are challenging Australians to reconnect with someone impacted by dementia to help combat the high levels of social isolation many experience.”

More than 40 per cent of the dementia cases in Australia, the report revealed, are linked to everyday health risks that can be changed, such as being overweight, not getting enough exercise, high blood sugar, high blood pressure in midlife, smoking and kidney problems.

While there is no cure, evidence shows reducing these risks, along with strategies to support independence and quality of life, can make a significant difference.

For more information and support, head to dementia.org.au

If this story has prompted any questions, phone the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or head to dementia.org.au