About Dementia
Dementia is not a single specific condition. Rather, it is an umbrella term that describes a syndrome associated with more than 100 different conditions which are characterised by the impairment of brain functions, including language, memory, perception, personality and cognitive skills. Although the type and severity of symptoms and their pattern of development varies with the type of dementia, it is usually of gradual onset, progressive in nature and irreversible.
In the early stages of the condition, close family and friends may notice symptoms such as memory loss and difficulties with finding familiar words, but the casual observer may not notice any symptoms. In the mid-stages, difficulties may be experienced with familiar tasks, such as shopping, driving or handling money. In the latter stages, difficulties extend to basic or core activities of daily living, such as self-care activities, including eating, bathing and dressing.
Dementia is the ninth National Health Priority Area
On 10 August 2012, the Australian Health Ministers recognised dementia as the ninth National Health Priority Area.
At a glance
- An estimated 298,000 Australians had dementia in 2011, of whom 62% were women, 74% were aged 75 and over, and 70% lived in the community. Based on projections of population ageing and growth, the number of people with dementia will reach almost 400,000 by 2020, and around 900,000 by 2050.
- Estimates suggest that, in 2011, there were at least 200,000 informal carers of people with dementia living in the community, and many of these were providing 40 or more hours of care per week.
- Dementia was the third leading cause of death in 2010, with an average of 25 people dying from dementia every day that year.
Hospital Dementia Services Project (HDS Project)
The Hospital Dementia Services Project (HDS Project) is an NHMRC-funded project which is looking at outcomes for people with dementia admitted to NSW hospitals. Findings from this project have been published in several journal articles and AIHW reports available from the HDS web page above.
Estimating the cost of dementia care in hospitals
AIHW is undertaking work for Alzheimer’s Australia, funded by the Wicking Foundation, to analyse the cost of acute (hospital) care for patients with dementia, and to illustrate successful strategies being implemented in Australia and overseas to avoid hospitalisations and to reduce length of stay. The report of this project will be released in early 2013.
Dementia publications
The AIHW reports on dementia in many aged care publications.
Dementia in Australia
This report provides a comprehensive picture of dementia in Australia, illustrated by the latest available data and information on trends.
Dementia in Australia was published in September 2012.
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Dementia among aged care residents
Dementia among aged care residents: first information from the Aged Care Funding Instrument, published in May 2011, outlines the demographic characteristics and care requirements of permanent residents with a diagnosis of dementia – estimated at 53% of all residents in 2008—09.