New Study Predicts Nearly 100% Increase in Cases by 2054

New data from Dementia Australia indicates that the prevalence of dementia is set to nearly double by 2054.

According to research conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on behalf of Dementia Australia, dementia rates are projected to increase by 93% by 2054.

In 2024, Australia has over 421,000 individuals living with various forms of dementia. Without medical advancements, this number is anticipated to escalate to 812,500 by 2054, as cautioned by Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM.

McCabe emphasized the signifcance of these fndings in informing strategies for service provision and funding to address the evolving needs associated with dementia. She stressed Dementia Australia’s commitment to supporting those affected, encouraging individuals and their families to seek assistance via the National Dementia

Helpline, available 24/7. The study highlights a nationwide trend of rising dementia diagnoses over the next three decades, with varying degrees of growth across states and territories. Western Australia is projected to experience the highest increase at 109%, followed by the Northern Territory (106%), the Australian Capital Territory (104%), Queensland (100%), Victoria (96%), and South Australia (59%), with Tasmania exhibiting the lowest growth at 52%.

Catherine Daskalakis, a Dementia Advocate at Dementia Australia diagnosed with younger onset dementia, underscored the importance of accessing Dementia

Australia’s support services. Refecting on her own experience, Daskalakis encouraged individuals to reach out to the National Dementia Helpline, emphasizing the invaluable emotional support and counselling it provides during challenging times.

For more details about dementia prevalence data: https://www. dementia.org.au/ information/statistics/ prevalence-data