- There are estimated to be 421,000 Australians live with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054.
- Globally, 75% of those living with dementia remain undiagnosed.
- Stigma and misinformation around the condition mean that many will ignore the warning signs and not seek a diagnosis.
- 85% of people living with dementia are unable to access post-diagnostic support.
- A timely diagnosis and associated post-diagnostic can enable those living with a condition to live well and independently for longer.
- Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and Dementia Australia urge immediate action to change attitudes, raise awareness, and challenge the stigma surrounding dementia.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2024, Australia – In 2024, it is estimated that more than 421,000 Australians live with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, this number is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054. This World Alzheimer’s Month, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and Dementia Australia are raising awareness and challenging the stigma and discrimination which still exists around the condition.
ADI and Dementia Australia are urging governments, communities, and individuals to recognise the urgency of the situation and take decisive action to raise awareness levels and to challenge the stigma which still remains a barrier to diagnosis, treatment, care and support.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said in Australia the draft National Dementia Action Plan that has yet to be released includes objectives to continue to raise awareness about dementia, to tackle stigma and discrimination and to improve the diagnosis and post-diagnosis care experience for all Australians impacted by dementia.
“People living with dementia, their families and carers have contributed extensively to the development of the plan and they are keen to see the plan transformed into action,” Professor Buchanan said.
Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s
Dementia is the leading cause of death for Australian women and the second leading cause of death of all Australians. Provisional data suggests dementia will soon be the leading cause of death. Dementia is the seventh leading cause of death, globally and every three seconds, someone develops the condition.
Globally there are estimated to over 55 million people living with the condition today, in just over 5 years this figure is set to increase to 78 million and rise to 139 million by 2050. These increases also have an economic consequence, currently the estimated annual cost of dementia is $1.3 trillion USD but by 2030, the cost is expected to over double to $2.8 trillion USD.
Low awareness levels, plus stigma, discrimination and misinformation surrounding the condition remain a significant barrier to ameliorate these increases says ADI CEO Paola Barbarino
“Low awareness levels, enduring stigma, misinformation and discrimination hamper efforts to address the condition, meaning many ignore the warning signs of the condition. Currently 75 per cent of those living with the condition do so undiagnosed. With a timely diagnosis, people living with the condition can access post-diagnostic support to enable them to live well and independently with the condition for longer, however including those undiagnosed we know that 85 per cent of people living with dementia are not receiving post-diagnostic support. This is a time bound condition and every second counts.”
The hashtags #TimeToActOnDementia and #TimeToActOnAlzheimers will be used throughout September to rally global attention and encourage proactive steps toward better understanding, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive care for those living with dementia.
Governments’ Role: The Time is Now
Governments also have a crucial role to play, but time is slipping away. While 39 countries have developed National Dementia Action Plans, many lack comprehensive strategies that address the stigma and support those living with dementia and their caregivers. Moreover, of the 194 World Health Organisation Member States that committed to do so back in 2017, 155 countries have not even implemented a plan. Far too much time has elapsed without definitive action.
ADI and Dementia Australia are calling for these plans to be urgently expanded to include robust public awareness campaigns and initiatives that foster inclusive and supportive communities.
Living with Dementia
More often than not, the people most affected by the stigma, misinformation and discrimination are in fact those living with the condition and their families.
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Isabelle Burke cared for her mother, whose diagnosis experience stretched out over many years, impacting on her mother Christine’s quality of life and that of her brother and sister.
“Mum was misdiagnosed for many years and later prescribed antipsychotics which added to the issues,” Ms Burke said.
“If we had known it was dementia, we would’ve been able to get the right support earlier for our Mum and spend her final years cherishing our time with her creating memories together. Instead by the time she was diagnosed she required full-time care and sadly, died aged just 59 in 2019.”
ENDS
For story ideas, interview requests and more information, please contact:
David Gear
Dementia Australia
T: 0427 204 2974
E: david.gear@dementia.org.au
Lewis Arthurton
Alzheimer’s Disease International
T: +44 20 7981 0886
About Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
About Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)
ADI is the international federation of 105 Alzheimer associations and federations around the world, in official relations with the World Health Organisation. ADI's vision is prevention, care and inclusion today, and cure tomorrow. ADI believes that the key to winning the fight against dementia lies in a unique combination of global solutions and local knowledge. ADI works locally, by empowering Alzheimer associations to promote and offer care and support for persons with dementia and their care partners, while working globally to focus attention on dementia and campaign for policy change. For more information, please visit www.alzint.org
World Alzheimer’s Month materials
Description of World Alzheimer’s Month:
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise dementia awareness and challenge stigma. Each year, Alzheimer and dementia associations, alongside all those involved in the treatment, care and support of people with dementia, from around the world unite to organise advocacy and information provision events, as well as Memory Walks and fundraising days. September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day.
Social media hashtags:
#WorldAlzMonth #TimeToActOnDementia #TimeToActOnAlzheimers
