Dementia is a broad term which encompasses a large group of illnesses. It's defined as a progressive cognitive functional decline including memory loss, loss of intellect, rationality, language skills, perception, social skills and physical function. Dementia exists in many different forms including Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies & the most common form of Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease. ("Key Facts and Statistics," 2013.).
Dementia affects Australians of many ages and although Dementia is not considered a normal aspect of the aging process, approximately 92% of Australians diagnosed with Dementia are over the age of 65 years. ("Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of ageing," 2012).
It is estimated that there are currently over 321,600 Australians living with dementia and approximately 1,700 new cases of dementia diagnosed every week. I believe these incredible statistics combined with Australia's rapidly aging population make Dementia Australia's most important health issue in 2013. ("Key Facts and Statistics," 2013.).
The table below highlights the projected population growth & rapidly aging population facing Australia up to 2031.
Table 1;.
"(Note: Reprinted from (Challenge 1, Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council, " n.d.) .
Australia's rapidly aging population will see the number of Australians living with dementia increase by one third, to approximately 400,000 Australians living with dementia in less than 10 years. ("Key Facts and Statistics, " 2013.).
Apart from having a profound and devastating impact on dementia sufferers & their carers and families, Dementia poses a significant economic and social burden on our community, health and residential care systems. People with dementia often seek or are referred for treatment in our hospitals as dementia is a chronic health condition most commonly affecting the aged whom are more likely to suffer from other chronic but common aged related health conditions including; pelvic fractures, lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, medication mishaps and delirium.
