Dementia Australia has praised Anthony Albanese for prioritising the urgent need to improve dementia care.

Mr Albanese’s address in Brisbane outlined the Labor Party’s vision for older Australians, highlighting the importance of dementia-friendly spaces in our communities and the impact dementia is having on almost half a million Australians. 

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said by 2058 this figure is projected to increase to around one million people.

“There will be no one who is not impacted by dementia, either by diagnosis or they will know someone impacted,” Ms McCabe said.

“As the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death of women, it is encouraging to see dementia is a focus for the Opposition.

“Dementia is the chronic disease of the 21st century and it needs to be a health priority for all parties and independent MPs across all levels of governments around Australia.”

Dementia Australia research estimates that by 2025 the cost of dementia for all Australians is expected to be more than $18 billion dollars, and as the prevalence increases so too will the costs, with projections estimating over $36 billion dollars by 2056. 

“Tackling dementia now will save money in health and aged care for many years to come and improve the health, lifestyle and care outcomes for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers,” Ms McCabe said.

“As we head into the budget announcement season, planning for this must be reflected with adequate funding and support of programs that will address the challenge dementia presents.”

Dementia Australia’s 2020-21 Federal Pre-Budget Submission outlines initiatives to create system-wide transformation in order to make quality dementia care a reality. 

“I wish to extend our gratitude to Emma McBride MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Carers, for her generosity in sharing the impact of her experience of caring for her grandmother and father who lived with dementia,” Ms McCabe said.

“Ms McBride has been an active advocate for dementia for a number of years, through her work with the Central Coast Dementia Alliance and leading her local DIY Memory Walk & Jog events.

“I look forward to further discussions with all parties about their visions for improving dementia care and developing the resources, services and programs needed to make a difference to the lives of all those impacted,” Ms McCabe said.