The dementia epidemic: Is Australia prepared?

There are not enough aged care facilities and paid carers to cater for Australia’s ageing population and the predicted rates of dementia, according to a University of Sydney Professor.

<p>Associate Professor Lee-Low from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Health Sciences.</p> — Associate Professor Lee-Low from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

According to Associate Professor Lee-Fay Low, from the Faculty of Health Sciences: “Addressing the issue of the aged care workforce is a priority, but we also need to think of new ways to help people with dementia and family carers to live the kind of life they want in their own homes.”

Industry experts, people living with dementia, carers and researchers will share their expertise and stories at what has been described as a first of its kind forum on dementia on tomorrow at the University of Sydney.

With more than 1,800 new cases in Australia each week, dementia is predicted to be one of the biggest public health issues we will ever face.

With the diseases that cause dementia developing in the brain well before symptoms appear, Australia is already facing unprecedented demand for health and aged care services in the future.

Associate Professor Low claims, with this, also means changing community attitudes to be more conscious and accepting of people with dementia living in the community.

Associate Professor Michael Valenzuela, leader of Regenerative Neuroscience Group at the university's Brain and Mind Research Institute, claims that it is forecast that, in about 20 years, dementia will be the number one killer of Australians and the “most expensive” health disorder.

Professor Sharon Naismith, also from the Brain and Mind Institute, adds it is vital to help people optimise brain performance before it is too late.

“We need to promote a better understanding of dementia and focus on targeting risk factors, like a lack of physical activity or depression,” Professor Naismith says.

“Targeting these risk factors could slow or even prevent cognitive decline and the mighty force of the dementia epidemic at a global level.”