Dementia Australia Advocate, Catherine Daskalakis has emphasised the importance of seeking support as figures show the disease’s prevalence is expected to double by 2054.
According to The Senior, 57-year-old Daskalakis was diagnosed with younger onset dementia ten months ago.
“When I got my diagnosis, the first thing I did was ring the National Dementia Helpline. It was the best decision I ever made,” Daskalakis said.
“I wanted someone who knew what I was going through… In those first few months, Dementia Australia offered me emotional help and counselling.”
Daskalakis strongly advises people to call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800-100-500 if seeking support.
Dementia Australia chief executive Maree McCabe stated that as the prevalence of dementia rises year after year, there will be an increased demand for support services for individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers.
“Dementia is the second leading cause of death of all Australians and the leading cause of death for women. Provisional data is showing that dementia will likely soon be the leading cause of death of all Australians,” McCabe said.
Australia now has close to 421,000 individuals living with dementia in 2024. If no medical breakthroughs occur, this figure will rise to 812,500 by 2054.
More details about dementia prevalence data local to your Federal, State and Territory electoral divisions as well as for Local Government Areas here.
Source: The Senior
