> Objectives
> Further information
> Download the full report
> Download the report by section
> Media releases
Objectives
Alzheimer's Australia commissioned The Dementia Epidemic: Economic Impact and Positive Solutions for Australia to:
- Quantify the economic and financial impacts of the dementia epidemic
- Identify the constraints to improving dementia services
- Identify the costs and benefits of approaches that could result in improved quality of life for people living with dementia, their families and carers and in delays in institutionalisation
Alzheimer’s Australia endorses the major recommendation of the report that the dementia epidemic will be more effectively managed if Commonwealth and State and Territory governments adopt dementia as a national health priority within a framework which covers:
- Dementia research
- Early diagnosis
- Best practice management
Action through a coordinated approach is necessary because dementia impacts on every aspect of the health care system.
Alzheimer’s Australia believes that priority should be given to:
- A significant financial investment in dementia research
- GP education, support and remuneration to implement models of care that include early diagnosis and care planning
- The provision of respite care that is flexible and provided by workers skilled in dementia care
- Incentives to residential care providers to provide quality dementia care against defined targets in the planning framework
- A mix of capital and recurrent funding to promote dementia specific care services for those people with challenging behaviours
- Provision for those people with dementia and mental health issues who currently fall between the aged care and mental health systems
If implemented, these positive approaches will result in improved quality of life for people with dementia, their families and carers, delays in institutionalisation and lower growth in the total cost of dementia care.
Further information
If you would like to speak with someone about assistance with services or other aspects of dementia, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Full Report
The report has been divided into an Executive Summary and Recommendations, Table of Contents and Chapters 1 to 4.
Dementia Epidemic: Economic Impact and Positive Solutions for Australia
PDF file, 1225 KB, March 2003
Download the report by section
Executive Summary and Recommendations
PDF file, 176 KB, March 2003
Table of Contents
PDF file, 227 KB, March 2003
Chapter One : Dementia - The Extent of the Epidemic
PDF file, 866 KB, March 2003
Chapter Two : The Dementia Burden for Australian People
PDF file, 350 KB, March 2003
Chapter Three : Comparisons, Constraints & Scenarios
PDF file, 465 KB, March 2003
Chapter Four : Options & Challenges
PDF file, 348 KB, March 2003
Media releases
Countdown for baby boomers as Australian Researchers warn of a Dementia Epidemic
PDF file, 28 KB, March 2003
Dementia Detection, Management and Remuneration Crucial in General Practice
PDF file, 35 KB, March 2003
Dementia : Facts to Remember
PDF file, 23 KB, March 2003
All media enquiries can be directed to Jennifer at PPR P/L, telephone (02) 9818 4044.
Contact Alzheimer's Australia by email or telephone (02) 6254 4233 about the contents of the report or other aspects of the work of the organisation.
Contact Us
Alzheimer's Australia is the national peak body for people living with dementia, their families and carers and provides leadership in policy and services. To find out more, contact us or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
created: 27 May 2003
updated: 14 March 2008
