Australia is seeing a significant increase in the number of dementia drug prescriptions, which have surged by 46% over the last decade. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released data on September 13 showing that in the 2022-23 period, 688,000 prescriptions were issued to approximately 72,400 Australians aged 30 and older. This marks a substantial rise from the 472,000 prescriptions dispensed in 2013-14.
The rise in dementia cases is reflected in the statistics, with the disease now being the second leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease. The AIHW report reveals that 15 out of every 1,000 Australians are affected by dementia. The number of dementia-related deaths has increased significantly, from 8,500 in 2009 to 17,899 in 2022. This increase is due to better reporting, greater awareness, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened mortality among dementia patients.
To address the growing needs of the aged care sector, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has introduced a $10 billion overhaul of the system. Announced on September 13, the reforms aim to improve in-home care services, allowing more elderly Australians to stay at home for longer and reducing the pressure on residential aged care facilities. This reform is expected to benefit dementia patients by providing better access to specialized care.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 17.1% of Australians are currently aged over 65, with the number of people over 85 expected to triple in the next 40 years. The cost of aged care is projected to more than double as a percentage of GDP over the coming decades. The reform package, which has support from both major parties, includes new standards for service quality, protections for whistleblowers, and the establishment of an independent complaints commissioner.
In 2021-22, more than 242,000 people were living in permanent residential aged care, with over half — about 131,000 — diagnosed with dementia. The rising demand for dementia care highlights the urgent need for continued investment and effective solutions to support the ageing population and ensure high-quality care for those affected.
