Updated dementia prevalence figures have supported the call for a comprehensive statewide dementia strategy to be implemented in NSW, across health, transport, policing, housing and other government services.
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW CEO The Hon. John Watkins said updated dementia prevalence rates show that the numbers of people with dementia in NSW is now estimated to be almost 112,000.
In the state electorates of Gosford and Terrigal, there is an estimated 3,100 people living with dementia, which is expected to increase to 3,480 by 2020 and 6,700 by 2050.
“These figures show dementia is an issue that is only going to get bigger and we really need a whole-of-government approach to appropriately tackle the challenge,” Mr Watkins said.
“This means doing things like taking a serious look at how to provide much better care for people with dementia when they need to go to hospital, increasing specialist palliative care for people with dementia and adequately funding health-related transport to support people living with dementia to access health and medicalrelated appointments.
“With the tragically high level of dementia in Aboriginal communities, we also need to look specifically at dementia care and risk reduction measures for that community.
“We are also asking for comprehensive government commitment to supporting communities that wish to become dementia friendly so people can be supported to live well within their communities for as long as possible.
“Dementia is an issue that cannot be ignored and will not go away. “It demands effective, comprehensive action by the NSW Government,” Mr Watkins said.
Media release,
25 Feb 2015
Sonia Byrnes,
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW