AN "alarming increase" in Victorian dementia cases have been predicted in data released today.
The new research estimates there are currently 97,000 people living with dementia in Victoria, a figure expected to grow by almost 300 per cent by 2050, to 386,000.
In a submission to the Victorian Government, Alzheimer’s Australia Vic is calling for joint state and corporate community action to support investment in a sustained public awareness and education campaign.
“Over 70 per cent of Australians admit that they know very little about the disease and almost half of the population do not realise that dementia is fatal and is currently the second leading cause of death in Australia after heart disease," said Maree McCabe CEO Alzheimer’s Australia Vic.
“All Victorians will be impacted either by a diagnosis, through caring for a loved one or knowing someone close to them, living with dementia.
“Dementia really is everybody’s business. There needs to be a massive shift in understanding to ensure all Victorians are better equipped to recognise the early signs, know where to seek information and support, and maintain the best quality of life possible when living with a dementia diagnosis,” Ms McCabe said.
“Tens of thousands of people living with dementia live at home, often supported by family for five to 10 years or more before a higher level of care is needed.
“Victorians, as a community, need to know how they too can best support people living with dementia – their neighbours, their regular customers or even the person sitting next to them on the bus, Mc McCabe said.
According to the new data no area in Victoria is spared. Within Melbourne, areas from Pascoe Vale to Box Hill, Kew and Bulleen show some of the highest figures.
In regional Victoria, Bendigo East, Nepean, Shepparton and Ripon in Victoria’s west rank in the top ten State Electoral Districts (SEDs) in dementia prevalence for 2016.
The 2016 dementia prevalence research and the Alzheimer's Australia Vic’s 2016-2017 Budget Submission can be found at www.fightdementia.org.au/vic
The research was carried out by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling, University of Canberra.
