Facts about Dementia

Facts about Dementia from Alzheimer’s Australia

1. It is estimated that in 2006, more than 210,000 Australians had a diagnosis of dementia.
   
2. Dementia also affects the lives of nearly 1,000,000 Australians who are involved in caring for a family member or friend with dementia.
   
3. In Australia there were an estimated 54,000 new cases of dementia in 2006.
   
4. There are more than 70 diseases that cause dementia.
   
5. Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, accounts for between 50% and 70% of all cases; the second most common form is vascular dementia, which may be preventable.
   
6. While the risk of dementia increases with age, dementia is not a natural part of ageing.
   
7. The average rate of moderate to severe dementia amongst Australians is about one in fifteen aged 65+. Among people aged 80 to 84 the rate is one in nine, and among those aged 85+ it is one in four.
   
8. Dementia can affect younger people; currently over 9 600 Australians under the age of 65 have early onset dementia.
   
9. With the ageing of Australia's population, we can expect a significant increase in the numbers of people affected by dementia - including carers - within the next few decades. By 2050, it is projected that 730 000 people will have a diagnosis of dementia unless there is a medical breakthrough.
   
10. Between 2000 and 2050, the number of people with dementia in Australia is expected to increase by 327%, while the total population increases by less than 40%.

Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Facts at a Glance Sydney: AA [Available online at http://www.alzheimers.org.au/upload/DementiaAtAGlanceFebruary2006.pdf Accessed Match 2007]