Dementia drug prescriptions in Australia have surged by 46% over the past decade, reflecting a rising need for treatment amid an ageing population. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reported on September 13 that in 2022-23, 688,000 prescriptions were issued to around 72,400 Australians aged 30 and older, compared to 472,000 in 2013-14.
Dementia, now the second leading cause of death in Australia, is impacting 15 out of every 1,000 Australians. The number of dementia-related deaths has increased significantly, from 8,500 in 2009 to 17,899 in 2022. This rise is attributed to better reporting, increased awareness, and the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dementia patients, who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from the virus.
In response to the growing demands on the aged care system, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently introduced a $10 billion aged care reform package. The reforms, announced on September 13, aim to enhance in-home care services to help older Australians remain in their homes longer and ease the burden on residential care facilities. This move is expected to benefit dementia patients by improving their access to appropriate care.
Current statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate that 17.1% of Australians are over 65, with the number of those over 85 expected to triple in the next 40 years. The cost of aged care is projected to more than double as a share of GDP over the coming decades. The reform package, supported by both major political parties, includes new standards for service quality, protections for whistleblowers, and the creation of an independent complaints commissioner.
In 2021-22, over 242,000 individuals resided in permanent residential aged care, with more than half — about 131,000 — suffering from dementia. The growing demand for dementia care underscores the need for continued investment and effective strategies to support the ageing population and provide high-quality care.
