With Australia’s ageing population, this number is expected to rise to more than 849,300 by 2058. Although dementia can affect people aged under 65, it primarily affects older Australians.
A new summary report by the Government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) ‘Dementia in Australia’ found a number of risk factors increase the likelihood of dementia.
On a brighter note, it also stated the following can reduce the risk of developing dementia by:
- Undertaking regular physical activity,
- Keeping mentally stimulated,
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet,
- Reducing your alcohol intake,
- Maintaining an active social life,
- Maintaining a healthy weight,
- Quitting smoking, and
- Managing health conditions.
The AIHW has noted “there is no single authoritative data source that can provide an accurate estimate of the number of Australians living with dementia.” It has announced a National Dementia Data Improvement Plan 2023–2033 to improve national dementia data over the next 10 years to monitor dementia and provide “an evidence base for effective policy development, service provision and planning”.
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