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Dementia

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.

There are many types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies. Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65.

Key Facts and Statistics 2017

  • Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and there is no cure
  • Dementia is the single greatest cause of disability in older Australians (aged 65 years or older) and the third leading cause of disability burden overall.
  • By 2025, the total cost of dementia is predicted to increase to $18.7 billion in today’s dollars, and by 2056, to over $36.8 billion, which represents a 2.6 fold increase in costs from 2016.
  • The lifestyle risk and protective factors for dementia offer very real opportunities for prevention programs that reduce the number of Australians developing dementia each year.

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