Australia is facing a surge in dementia drug prescriptions, with a 46% increase over the past decade. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that 688,000 prescriptions were issued to about 72,400 Australians aged 30 and older in 2022-23, compared to 472,000 in 2013-14.

Dementia has become the second leading cause of death in Australia, just behind heart disease. The AIHW’s report, released on September 13, states that 15 out of every 1,000 Australians are affected by dementia. Deaths from the disease have risen dramatically from 8,500 in 2009 to 17,899 in 2022. The increase is attributed to improved reporting, increased awareness, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on those with dementia.

In response to the rising demand for aged care, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has introduced a $10 billion reform package. Announced on September 13, the reforms focus on enhancing in-home care services to support older Australians living at home and alleviate the pressure on residential aged care facilities. This is expected to improve care for dementia patients who often require specialized and monitored environments.

Statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal that 17.1% of Australians are over 65, with the number of people over 85 projected to triple over the next 40 years. The cost of aged care is anticipated to more than double as a share of GDP in the coming decades. The reform package, which enjoys bipartisan support, 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 lived in permanent residential aged care, with over half — about 131,000 — having dementia. The growing demand for dementia care underscores the need for continued investment and effective strategies to manage the needs of the ageing population and provide high-quality care.