Experts sound alarm as dementia rates in Australia projected to double in 30 years

Rates of dementia in Australia are projected to double within the next 30 years without significant intervention, according to the latest figures from Dementia Australia.

The alarming prediction has sparked calls from advocates for a national conversation on dementia and brain health.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan is leading the charge, calling on the Federal Government to step in and help reduce the impact of “all forms of dementia”.

“Dementia Australia’s research clearly shows that there has been a sustained and profoundly concerning lack of awareness and understanding about dementia in the community – with many Australians mistakenly believing dementia is a normal part of ageing,” Professor Buchanan said.

“Dementia Australia is calling for critical investment from the Federal Government to support a national conversation on brain health, combined with more targeted and effective supports for people impacted by dementia.

“Taking this dual approach will ensure we are working towards reducing the impact of all forms of dementia.”

Rates of dementia in Australia are set to almost double from an estimated 433,300 to 812,500 in 30 years unless urgent action is taken while rates of younger onset dementia are also expected to jump by 12,000 up to 41,000 people.

Pam Eade, who lives with primary progressive aphasia, said the figures highlight the importance of raising awareness of dementia in our communities, particularly how people can reduce their risk of developing dementia.

“The lack of knowledge and understanding in our communities has substantial negative impacts on people living with dementia, their families and carers,” Eade said.

“Low awareness contributes to discrimination, stigma and isolation. Poor understanding creates barriers to timely diagnosis and to accessing ongoing medical and social care.

“Raising awareness of dementia and educating people about what they can do to reduce their risk of dementia is of paramount importance for all Australians.”

Given the projections of rising dementia rates, finding ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia becomes crucial.

Researchers recently discovered that staying social may help maintain cognitive health.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Rush University Medical Center, found that regular social activity could help prevent or delay dementia in later life.

“This study is a follow up on previous papers from our group showing that social activity is related to less cognitive decline in older adults,” Bryan James, PhD, associate professor of internal medicine at Rush, said.

The study included over 1,000 older adults with a median age of 80 who were part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project. Social activity was measured through a questionnaire while cognitive function was assessed using 21 tests for various types of memory.

Researchers found that frequent social activity led to a 38 per cent reduction in dementia risk and a 21 per cent reduction in mild cognitive impairment risk, among participants, compared to those who were less socially active.

James explained that the study demonstrated that “social activity is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and that the least socially active older adults developed dementia an average of five years before the most socially active.”

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