Dementia services in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To describe dementia services in Australia.


METHODS
Limited review of current government policies and relevant papers.


RESULTS
Australians with dementia, currently estimated at 220 000, are expected to number 1.13 million by 2050. In response, Commonwealth and State Australian governments have developed comprehensive plans and systems including expansion of community care services and packages, improvement in quality of residential care and initiatives to address behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Alzheimer's Australia, which continues to be a powerful advocate for improvement in services, has pioneered a prevention programme to delay dementia onset.


CONCLUSIONS
Further developments should aim to increase awareness, reduce stigma, enhance carer support improve timely diagnosis and support for special population groups, notably those from Indigenous and non-English speaking communities and those with younger onset dementia and correct relative underfunding for dementia research. Dementia care in Australia is well developed but gaps remain.
Brodaty
Henry
H
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. h.brodaty@unsw.edu.au
Cumming
Anne
A
D022126:Access to Information; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D009313:National Health Programs; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000592:standards; D012944:Social Support