Gov responds to dementia
January 17, 2011
AROUND 600,000 Australians
will suffer from dementia by 2030,
according to recent Health
Department projections.
This figure represents a hike of
over 50% on the current dementia
figures which show 250,000 Aussies
are presently living with dementia.
“Dementia is not a normal part of
the ageing process that should
simply be accepted; it’s a condition
that can be managed,” said the
Minister for Mental Health and
Ageing, Mark Butler.
As a result of the projections, the
Government has, this month,
launched a ‘Know the Signs’
campaign, aimed at both
healthcare professionals and the
general public.
The campaign is designed to
raise the awareness of the early
signs of dementia, and the
importance of early treatment, and
also aims to dispel some of the
myths about the condition.
Over the next few weeks health
professionals will be receiving a
Know the Signs campaign pack,
which will include dementia
information leaflets and pamphlets.
The materials can also be
accessed via the web, CLICK HERE
to view.
MEANWHILE the Health
Department has also announced
funding for eight new dementia
research projects to be managed
through the National Health and
Medical Research Council, whilst
round four of the Dementia
Community Support Grants
Program has also opened.
The Grants offer funding of up to
$50,000 for projects of up to 12
months in duration (applications
close at 2pm on 10 February).
See www.health.gov.au for details.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Jan 11To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 17 Jan 11
