Dementia Australia acknowledges the Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten MP, for his continued commitment to keeping dementia on the agenda as a national health priority.
Last night in his Budget Reply speech Mr Shorten stated "tackling dementia and delivering better aged care will be a national priority, backed by real resources".
As the second leading cause of death of Australians and the first leading cause of death of women, it is imperative that all parties and all governments have dementia at the top of their health plans.
Maree McCabe, CEO Dementia Australia said with 425,000 people currently living with dementia and with that figure projected to increase to more than 1.1 million by 2056, there will be no Australian who won’t be impacted by dementia through either, a diagnosis or caring for someone close to them.
"In 2018 the cost of dementia for all Australians is $15 billion dollars and as the prevalence increases so too will the costs, with projections estimating almost $19 billion dollars by 2056," she said.
"Tackling dementia now will save dollars in health and aged care for many years to come and improve the health, lifestyle and care outcomes for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers.
"I look forward to further discussions with Mr Shorten about his plans for tackling dementia and developing the resources, services and programs needed to make a difference to the lives of all those impacted," Ms McCabe said.
Dementia Australia is the national peak body and charity for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 425,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach more than 1.1 million by 2056. Dementia Australia is the new voice of Alzheimer’s Australia. Dementia Australia’s services are supported by the Australian Government.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 Interpreter service available (The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative) Dementia is a National Health Priority Area www.dementia.org.au
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When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines. ---
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