ONE in two Australians are touched by dementia and the incidence will treble in by 2050, Alzheimer’s Australia chairman Professor Peter Baume warned yesterday.
Speaking at the opening of the Queen Street Centre, Professor Baume said half of those present would have a parent, grandparent, relative or acquaintance suffering dementia.
“The burden of dementia exceeds that of malaria in the world, of tetanus, of breast cancer, of drug abuse and war,” he said.
“It exceeds all this and the future looks awful.
“If you can imagine an express train that has left the station, has no-one at the controls and is careering down the track towards you... that is the future of dementia.”
Professor Baume said Australia was in a much worse position in regard to dementia than other countries because it was more urbanised, had fewer extended families, more old people living alone and fewer carers.
But on a more positive note, he encouraged people to take steps to ward off dementia through exercise, good nutrition, regular medical checks and keeping their minds active.
For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, October 31
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