It is Dementia Action Week (18-24 September). The most recent statistics show that more than 420,000 Australians are living with dementia, and it is now the leading cause of death for women. Without a medical breakthrough, that number is expected to double by 2058.
What is perhaps less discussed is the other snapshot. And that is, that nearly 29,000 younger people are living with early onset dementia – people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. This number is also is expected to double. This is not just a story for the aged.