PUBH302 - Australian Public Health Report: Dementia in Australia

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of dementia as a significant public health concern in Australia. It begins by highlighting the increasing prevalence of dementia, emphasizing its impact on the aging population and the substantial costs associated with healthcare and social services. The report delves into the historical context, tracing the evolution of dementia as a public health issue and the emergence of support groups. It then examines the political, social, and economic dimensions of dementia, including government responses, the needs of marginalized groups, and the financial burden on the healthcare system. The report also includes interview questions and a transcript with Dr. Ramon Shaban, focusing on infectious diseases, clinical judgment, and health governance. The report concludes by emphasizing the need for preventive measures, support for affected individuals and their families, and increased funding for research and care programs. The report references multiple sources, including the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, and Dementia Australia, to support its findings and recommendations.

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

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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

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patients have continuously been the main objectives of the formulated support groups. Families’
of patients have in such cases been trained and educated on how they can live with people who
have suffered memory loss. As of 2016, the total direct health and care services costs arising
from managing dementia or from providing care to patients accumulated to more than $6
billion (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2016). It is expected that by 2025, the
cost will eclipse $25 billion most of which is expected to be funded by the federal
government (ABS, 2018).
Political Context and Social Context
Acknowledged as one of the main health and social issues in Australia, the government
has worked hard to resolve and address the complex needs of people living with dementia by
providing funding and resource in the form of trained workforce. However with the rising
number of aged population and subsequently increased number of dementia patients have
made these funds to be inadequate. Ideally, the aged population comprise the marginal
groups in the society who are most affected by dementia. Besides, there is also need to
provide extensive aged care a service which should primarily be spearheaded by the government
(Innes, 2016).
Economic Context
Although the cost of managing dementia is relatively high, reports indicate that the
expenditure will likely go up if enough funding is not remitted. Precisely, the report by Dementia
Australia indicated that by 2025, the cost will be higher than $25 billion (Dementia Australia,
2019). Thus, the budget provided by the federal government will stretch in the near future if the
national dementia strategy is not promptly and properly funded.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, given the prevalence of dementia in Australia, there is need to
undertake specific prevention measures to address the issue. For one, proper training and
provision of resources are required to assist individuals living with people who are
diagnosed with the condition. From the society, there is need to ensure that support and
care is provided for purposes of enhancing the quality of life for the affected patient. Also,
funds should be provided to support improved access to quality care, develop consumer
based dementia programs and create awareness programs.

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References
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2018). Dementia and Death in Australia. Retrieved from
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/3303.0~2015~Main
%20Features~Dementia~10002
Australia Institute of Health and Welfare Canberra. (2016). Dementia in Australia. Retrieved
from https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/199796bc-34bf-4c49-a046-
7e83c24968f1/13995.pdf.aspx?inline=true
Dementia Australia. (2019). Our History. Retrieved from
https://www.dementia.org.au/nsw/about-us/our-organisation/our-history
Dementia Australia. (2019). Economic Cost of Dementia. Retrieved from
https://www.dementia.org.au/dementia-news/issue-07/economic-cost-of-dementia
Innes, A. (2016). The Social and Political Context of Formal Dementia Care Provision. Aging
and Society, 83(22), 483-499. Retrieved from
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a54b/f1fdddd78909a98360785ec3bbc188075195.pdf