Dementia as a Public Health Issue in Australia

Running head: PUBLIC HEALTH 1
Public Health
Student’s Name
Institution

PUBLIC HEALTH 2
Public Health
Dementia is a public health issue that is on the rise in Australia with hundreds of people
developing the condition on a daily basis. It is a mental health problem that impairs the
functioning of the brain where the affected individual finds it difficult to think reason or
remember. Most worryingly is the fact that condition is more prevalent among the elderly
populations and once diagnosed, the condition becomes degenerative and irreversible.
Justification of Importance
Available evidence indicates that one in ten people aged 65 years and above is likely to
be affected by the condition. As of 2016, more than 350,000 people were diagnosed with the
condition 43% of whom were aged 85 years and above (Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare, 2016). The latest evidence provided by Dementia Australia in 2018 revealed that the
number of people living with dementia had rose to 425,000 with another 250 people developing
it every day. In 2006, dementia was the fourth leading cause of death and by 2013 till 2019,
the condition became the second leading cause of death in Australia thereby warranting need
for immediate address (Dementia Australia, 2019).
Historical Context
Dementia became a public health issue after its prevalence in the 1980s leading to the
emergence of support groups such as Dementia Australia. Over the years, the issue has prevailed
with thousands of people falling victims to the deadly disease. Given that the condition is
untreatable, available medical services have been tailored towards offering support to patients
and their parents as they attempt to cope with the effects associated with the condition.
Education, training, counseling and provision of resources to facilitate the support accorded to