Australians fear dementia second only to cancer

Alzheimer’s Australia developed the Pfizer Health Report “Dementia is everybody’s business”, which was supported by Pfizer Australia to highlight the need for more awareness about the impact of dementia in the community. 

The Report covered questions from different topic areas including:

1. The impact of dementia on Australia;
2. The stigma and fear of dementia;
3. What Australians know about risk reduction;
4. Early detection and why it is beneficial;
5. The numbers of carers and the support they provide;
6. The actions taken by Australians to plan for the future; and
7. Awareness of treatments and medicines.

President of Alzheimer’s Australia, Ita Buttrose, says public fears about dementia may be the result of a lack of understanding in the community about this condition.

“The impact of dementia is widespread, currently affecting 260,000 Australians and impacting their 1.2 million carers, but we have a long way to go before we become a dementia friendly society,” Ms Buttrose said.

“There needs to be a community and political response to the dementia epidemic that attempts to remove fear by investing in research and support services while promoting a better understanding of the condition.”

Almost half (49%) of those surveyed have not considered end of life care plans in the event they lose their ability to make decisions for themselves. Drawing up a will was the most preparation that many had completed (42%).

“When you are diagnosed with dementia you need to make some key future decisions about your finances, who you trust to look after your future needs and the care you would prefer at the end of your life,” Ms Buttrose added.  

The research also revealed discrimination is a significant issue for people with dementia, with 56% of carers reporting that people with dementia are discriminated against or unfairly treated.

Almost one third of Australians said they would feel uncomfortable spending time with someone with dementia, indicating a strong need for more community education and support services.  

“With an estimated one million cases of dementia expected by 2050, we need to educate the public now to ensure adequate support for people living with dementia,” Ms Buttrose said.

The research indicates people may not be getting the help they need as 16% of Australians believe they know someone with dementia who has not sought help. Furthermore, only 30% of Australians believe there are treatments available for dementia.

“Early diagnosis is important and while there is no cure, medicines can help in the management of symptoms. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner a person can receive treatment and make a difference to their quality of life,” Ms Buttrose said.  

“Most people think dementia is an older person’s disease but there are 16,000 Australians under the age of 65 who have younger onset dementia.

“Dementia may start to develop 20 years before any signs and symptoms begin to show. We need to look after ourselves in our 30’s, 40’s and 50’s before we get ‘old’. There is increasing evidence that supports the link between healthy lifestyles and a healthy brain so we can all try to reduce our risk,” she said.

Download a copy of the full report “Dementia is Everybody’s Business” (PDF File 3 MB)  

Download a copy of the media release  (PDF)

Download a copy of the Key Findings sheet (PDF)