Dispensing patterns for anti-dementia medications 2016–17

Dementia is a leading cause of illness and death among Australians. This report shows that in 2016–17:

• about 546,000 prescriptions for anti-dementia medications were dispensed to about 58,500 people aged 30 and over
• of the 4 anti-dementia medications examined, Donepezil was the most commonly dispensed medication
• older people were dispensed anti-dementia medications at a higher rate
• expenditure on anti-dementia medications totalled $20 million.

See related report Hospital care for people with dementia 2016–17.