Analysis: Dementia in Australia

Dementia

Dementia has for a long time caused problems to those suffering from the syndrome as well as the family members of the affected individuals. The syndrome mostly affects individuals over the age of 65 years. As such, the elderly people are the most affected lot in the population. Research done in the past shows that dementia is one of the major causes of disability in Australia. It ranks first as far as disability is concerned. Dementia is a major public health concern in Australia, with deleterious effects on the health and quality of life (Brodaty, Seeher, & Gibson, 2012, p. 1034)

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by impairment of brain function, which includes the loss of memory, linguistic, cognitive, personality, and perception skills. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has estimated that cases of dementia would increase to 900,000 by 2050 (Alzheimer's Australia, 2017). Currently, more than 413,106 Australians are living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise to 536,164 by 2025. About 55% (228,238) of Australians living with dementia are female whereas 45% (184,868) are male. Additionally, dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 5.4% of all deaths in males and 10.6% of all deaths in females annually (Brown, Hansnata, & La, 2017, p. 6). Younger onset dementia has been reported in approximately 25,938 people. Cases of younger onset dementia could increase to 29,375 by 2025 and 42,252 by 2056 (Alzheimer's Australia, 2017).