Dementia numbers rising as the population ages
Wednesday September 2, 2009
Australia's aging population is forecasted to see a rise in many degenerative diseases with dementia leading the pack, with industry experts saying the number of patients may even reach 1 million by 2050.
Research by Access Economics for Alzheimer's Australia forecasts that the number of people suffering from degenerative brain conditions will increase dramatically, in particular dementia and Alzheimer's disease, of which there is no current cure.
"Without a significant medical breakthrough, the number of Australians affected by dementia is expected to increase from 245,000 in 2009 to 591,000 in 2030... and again to a staggering 1.13 million by 2050." says John Watkins, CEO of Alzheimer's Australia.
Some other startling statistics contained in the 2005 Access Economics report as commissioned by Alzheimer's Australia include:
- Dementia will cost an approximate $83 billion of Australia's health and aged care spending by 2060
- The weekly results of new reported cases of dementia will be 7,400 a week by 2050, it presently sits at 1,300
- Regional patient levels will rise by a massive 350 per cent by 2050, taking the predicted figure to 450,000
- The Carers industry is facing mass shortages, as within one generation the country will be reportedly short over 150,000 paid and unpaid carers
Currently there are a number of treatments available at pharmacies that can treat the contributing factors responsible for the dementia syndrome. As there is no cure for dementia and similar cognitive diseases, there are a number of medications that enhance cognition and combat many of the associated side effects of a patient with dementia. These include depression, agitation, anxiety attacks and psychosis, most of which can be manageable through medications available at most pharmacies.
According to some medical expert opinions, the rising number of patients showing signs of dementia has resulted in renewed interest in the research and development with there now being solid progression into finding new medications or therapies that can either delay dementia or slow its progression once diagnosed.
Of course, Australia's aging population is resulting in unprecedented demand on pharmacies and medications supplies with increasing pressure on the research and development of new techniques for many degenerative diseases.
