$200 million needed for dementia research

The nationwide event will showcase six-foot memory trees, designed to ‘come to life’ as people customise leaves with their favourite memories.

Alzheimer’s Australia’s National President and 2013 Australian of the Year, Ita Buttrose, said the event is about raising awareness of the need for a much greater investment in dementia research.

“Research into the causes and treatments for dementia, and better care for people living with the condition, is grossly underfunded,” Ms Buttrose said.

“Australia has some of the world’s leading dementia researchers.

“However, the sector lacks the capacity of longer-established health research areas, meaning that vital research into new treatments and interventions is falling behind.

“An investment of this kind is the only way Australia will have a chance at working towards a World Without Dementia.”

In 2012-2013, the National Health and Medical Research Council allocated $21.5 million for dementia research compared with $162.4 million on cancer research, $93.6 million on cardiovascular disease research, $63 million on diabetes research and $55.1 million on mental health research.

Glenn Rees, CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia, said there are more than 320,000 people with dementia in Australia, and more than 1.2 million people caring for them.

“We need to do much more to support dementia research,” said Mr Rees.

“This will give all Australians the best chance of avoiding dementia so that we can continue to share our precious moments and memories with our loved ones for many years to come.”

To learn more about the Fight Dementia campaign visit www.campaign.fightdementia.org.au  

For a copy of Alzheimer’s Australia’s pre-budget submission visit www.fightdementia.org.au

To download the media release, click here.