World Alzheimer’s Day
Alzheimer’s Australia has released a national action plan to build a world class dementia system, to mark World Alzheimer’s Day today.
Alzheimer’s Australia chief executive officer, Glenn Rees said three main priorities were addressed in the plan:
1. Investment in cutting edge dementia research to better understand the cause of dementia and to better identify those at risk. Dementia research is under-funded in relation to other chronic diseases.
2. GPs who are able to diagnose dementia and refer patients to specialists and support services. Only one third of people with dementia receive any formal diagnosis at any time during their illness.
3. Help the 60% of people with dementia who live in the community and of whom 37% receive no care.
National action on this chronic health condition is not just a government responsibility, Mr Rees said.
“The dementia epidemic will affect the lives of millions of Australians and we ask the business sector and the community to also play their part in raising awareness and responding to it now and into the future.”
