Increased demand for healthcare services among Australians living with dementia

Australia has seen a rise in the number of prescriptions dispensed to treat dementia in the past decade as well as the number of dementia-related hospitalisations.

Almost 688,000 prescriptions for dementia medication were dispensed to around 72,400 Australians aged 30 and over in the past decade, a 46% increase from 2013–14 when just over 472,000 scripts were dispensed. There has also been a 24% increase in the rate of scripts dispensed from 34 to 42 scripts per 1,000 people between 2013–14 and 2022–23.

The number of dementia-related hospitalisations has also risen to 26,300 in 2022–23, a 24% increase from 21,000 in 2016–17.

These findings are documented in the new updates to Dementia in Australia, released by the AIHW today. The report showcases the latest statistics on dementia prevalence, burden of disease, mortality and expenditure as well as use of health and aged care services.

Dementia has become a prominent cause of death for older Australians. Around 1 in 11 deaths (17,800 deaths) in Australia were due to dementia in 2022. More women (11,300) died from dementia than men (6,600). Most dementia deaths (9,100) occurred among people aged 85–94 years.

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia after coronary heart disease. In 2022, it was the leading cause of death for women and Australians aged 65 years and over.

The number of Australians living with dementia is expected to reach around 849,300 by 2058, placing greater demands on the healthcare system.

There is no cure for dementia, but existing interventions seek to manage symptoms, while trying to maximise independence and quality of life.

More information about dementia, including available support services, can be found at the following sites:

·         Dementia Australia website

·         The Dementia Guide by Dementia Australia

·         National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 (a free and confidential service to discuss dementia and memory loss concerns for yourself or others).

·         Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service: 1800 699 799 (if you need help to manage behaviour associated with dementia).

·         My Aged Care (for information on and applying for access to government-subsidised aged care services).