Dementia numbers to triple by 2050: Australian Report

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDMar 29 2012

A new report says that the rates of dementia are set to triple in Australia by 2050 but people still aren't doing enough to prepare for care.

In a discussion paper given to the State Government, Alzheimer's Australia NSW estimates the number of Australians diagnosed with dementia will rise from 280,000 to around 943,000 by 2050. Of these, 303,500 people will be from NSW.

The report adds that despite these numbers only 55 per cent of people in NSW have a will and less than 20 per cent of Australians have recorded their wishes for end-of-life care.

John Watkins, CEO of Alzheimer's Australia NSW, said people were often leaving it too late, placing added burden of family and friends. “This is not a topic that we as a population generally like to talk about,” he said. “And we know from our members that many don't talk about it until it is too late.” “Having a legally binding document setting out our health, legal and care wishes can give peace of mind not only to the individual, but also their loved ones, should they ever reach this point. However, not doing it can add stress and trauma at an already difficult time,” he said.

The report surveyed 77 carers, patients and service providers and found that people were confused about where to access information and didn't understand the differences between legal documents, such as power of attorney or advance care directive. “These are consistent with what we hear from our clients and members in our day-to-day work,” Mr Watkins said.

State MPs were briefed on the statistics and the discussion paper “What prevents people with dementia making plans for their future?” The report comes as new figures from Deloitte Access Economics NSW released today found that the electoral divisions of Tweed, Port Macquarie and Myall Lakes will have the highest rates of dementia respectively in the state by 2050. Deloitte also found that the dementia burden was likely to fall in regional coastal areas. In response, Alzheimer's Australia NSW has made many recommendations, including the need for a national awareness campaign promoting planning ahead.