Australia is witnessing a significant increase in dementia drug prescriptions, reflecting the growing impact of the neurodegenerative disease on its ageing population. According to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), prescriptions for dementia medications rose by 46% over the past decade. In 2022-23, 688,000 prescriptions were dispensed to about 72,400 Australians aged 30 and over, up from 472,000 prescriptions in 2013-14.
The AIHW’s “Dementia in Australia” report, released on September 13, highlights that dementia now affects 15 out of every 1,000 Australians. The disease, which includes various types such as Alzheimer’s, is the second leading cause of death in Australia, following heart disease. Deaths from dementia have surged from 8,500 in 2009 to nearly 18,000 in 2022. The increase in dementia cases and deaths is partly attributed to improved reporting and heightened awareness, as well as the exacerbating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to higher mortality among dementia patients.
The rising number of dementia cases is placing additional strain on Australia’s aged care system. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently announced a $10 billion overhaul of aged care, which aims to address the growing demand. The reforms, unveiled on September 13, include increased investment in in-home care to help older Australians remain at home longer and relieve pressure on residential aged care facilities. This could particularly benefit dementia patients who often require specialized care in monitored settings.
According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 17.1% of Australians are currently aged over 65, and the population of those over 85 is expected to triple in the next 40 years. The financial burden of aged care is anticipated to more than double as a percentage of GDP over the next four decades. The proposed reforms, which have bipartisan support, also include new service quality standards, protections for whistleblowers, and the establishment of an independent complaints commissioner.
In 2021-22, over 242,000 people lived in permanent residential aged care, with more than half—about 131,000—diagnosed with dementia. The ongoing challenges in managing dementia care highlight the need for continued investment and innovation in aged care services to meet the increasing demand and ensure quality care for affected individuals.
