Dementia on the rise
 28 June 2004

DEMENTIA is touching Australians in record numbers, but more than half of those caring for dementia sufferers say they can't find enough information on the condition.

About 170,000 Australians suffer from dementia, brought on by Alzheimer's Disease, circulation problems and brain damage, among other things, and new research has found that 46 per cent of Australians know somebody with dementia.

Almost half of those who know somebody with dementia are afraid of developing the condition themselves, said Alzheimer's Australia chief executive Glenn Rees.

The new report, funded by Alzheimer's Australia and the drug company Pfizer, found although dementia was striking people in record numbers, the majority of respondents felt they did not know enough about it.

"More than half the respondents to the research were unaware of any medications or drugs that could reduce the effects of dementia," Mr Rees told AAP.

"From our point of view this reinforces the recommendation for it to be a national health priority.

"If we're heading into a federal election, we'll be seeking a commitment for that from the major parties."

People caring for dementia patients were more aware of the signs and symptoms of dementia and ways to delay its onset.

"Two-thirds of the people in the survey said they thought mental activity could help but they're also now increasingly likely to recognise that there are other factors involved in prevention," Mr Rees said.

"All the things we know are good for our heart and the body are good for the brain as well - fresh fruit and vegetables, exercise, cutting out smoking and cutting down drinking.

"If you can organise life so that you're surrounded by people you communicate well with then that would also be a good approach."

Four different medications are available to treat some of the symptoms of dementia, but there is no cure. "One could be reasonably optimistic that in the next five to 10 years there could be better medication coming through," Mr Rees said.

For more information on dementia, call Alzheimer's Australia on 1800 639331, or go to www.alzheimers.org.au.