THE latest Dementia in Australia report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals a significant increase in the use of dementia-specific prescription medications.
Nearly 688,000 scripts were dispensed to around 72,400 Australians aged 30 and over in 2022-23, marking a 46% increase from just over 472,000 prescriptions in 2013-14.
"The rise in prescriptions suggests increased awareness of dementia management options," said AIHW spokesperson Melanie Dunford.
Despite no cure for dementia, these medications help manage symptoms and support independence and quality of life, she added.
Hospitalisations due to dementia have also climbed by 24%, reaching 26,300 in 2022-23, although rates adjusted for age have remained stable, according to AIHW.
Dunford noted that dementia is not a part of ageing but is increasingly prevalent with Australia's ageing population, highlighting the growing need for dementia care services.
Dementia is responsible for about one in 11 deaths in Australia, totalling 17,800 in 2022, and is the second leading cause of death after coronary heart disease.
With the number of Australians living with dementia predicted to more than double to 849,300 by 2058, Dunford emphasised the importance of ongoing monitoring and support for those affected. JG
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