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LI8: Support services for patients with dementia and carers of people with dementia and impact of disease.

(Amanda) Support services for patients and carers with dementia The Australian Government program for Dementia education and support is delivered through Alzheimers Australia http://www.fightdementia.org.au/ National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 offers information and support from trained advisors from 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays. Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service 1800 699 799 available 24/7 providing clinical support, education and practical strategies for people caring for a person with dementia who is experiencing behaviours of concern that have an impact on their care Dementia and Memory Community Centres located around the state offering resources, support and activities for people with dementia, their families and anyone with memory concern Living with memory loss program is cost free, designed specifically for people in the early stages of dementia who want to share their experiences or feelings with others in the same situation. Participants are able to bring a carer, family member or friend with them if they like Counselling Alzheimers Australia (Qld) provides free one-on-one counselling sessions for people affected by a diagnosis of dementia, including the person with dementia, their families and carers. Information sessions Alzheimers Australia (Qld) offers special sessions throughout the year which provide a simple easy to understand introduction to dementia. Carers Support Groupo Alzheimers Australia Central Queensland o Alzheimers Australia Darling Downs and South West INc o Alzheimers Australia Far North Queensland o Alzheimers Australia Gold Coast o Alzheimers Australia Mackay Region o Alzheimers Australia North Qld o Alzheimers Australia Sunshine Coast o Alzheimers Australia Wide Bay & Burnett Leisure Program- designed for people with dementia Impact of disease Summary of dementia statistics in Australia. National Facts and Figures 2012

Almost 280,000 Australians currently live with dementia Without a significant medical breakthrough, that is expected to soar to almost 1 million by 2050 Each week, there are 1,600 new cases of dementia in Australia. That is expected to grow to 7,400 new diagnoses each week by 2050 Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease and stroke One in four people over the age of 85 have dementia Dementia is fatal and, as yet, there is no cure Dementia is not a normal part of ageing Dementia has an impact on every part of the health and care system The total estimated worldwide costs of dementia were US$604 billion in 2010 These costs account for about 1% of the worlds gross domestic product If dementia were a country, it would be the worlds 18th largest economy If it were a company, it would be the worlds largest, exceeding Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion)

Australia faces a shortage of more than 150,000 paid and unpaid carers for people with dementia by 2029 The cost of replacing all family carers with paid carers is estimated at $5.5 billion per annum Dementia will become the third greatest source of health and residential aged care spending within two decades. These costs alone will be around 1% of GDP By 2060, spending on dementia is set to outstrip that of any other health condition It is projected to be $83 billion (in 2006-07 dollars), and will represent around 11% of the entire health and residential aged care sector spending Dementia is already the single greatest cause of disability in older Australians (aged 65 years or older)

References: Alzeheimers Australia http://www.fightdementia.org.au/ Burns A, Iliffe S. Clinical Review: Alzheimer's disease. BMJ 2009;338: 467-471. http://www.seniors.gov.au/internet/seniors/publishing.nsf/Content/Dementia+supp ort+services http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Support_Services_for_Carers_of_People_wit h_Dementia

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