12,625 people died from the disease last year alone. Now it’s set to become our leading cause of death within five years[1], according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
It’s also the only one of the top three causes of death on the rise, with deaths from heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 3) both on the decline.
Most people died from complications caused by the disease, such as malnutrition, lower immunity and loss of mobility.
In 2015, the death rate for dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, climbed to 40.1 deaths per 100,000 people, up from 28.6 in 2006.
So what’s behind the increase?
An ageing population
Alzheimer’s Australia CEO Maree McCabe says: “The greatest risk factor for dementia is age and the number of people aged over 80 are expected to double in the next 20 years.”
But dementia is not just an ‘old person’s’ disease. There are also around 25,000 Australians under 65 living with the disease.
Experts agree the key to living longer with dementia is early diagnosis. However, research also shows many people put off seeking a diagnosis for up to a year or more.
Most also believe dementia is a normal part of ageing – it’s not.
It’s worth being aware of the early signs and seeking help if you are worried about yourself, a family member or friend.
National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 (interpreter service available)
Learn more about the warning signs of dementia here.
[1] Media Release: ‘Dementia deaths continue to rise as population ages’ – Australian Bureau of Statistics, 28 September 2016
