Minister Announces $4 Million Dementia Package

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24 September 2009

Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot today announced a $4 million package for additional dementia research, information and support for people living with dementia and their carers.

The Minister made the announcement at the opening of the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre’s (DCRC’s) third annual research forum in Sydney attended by more than 370 consumers, academics and health professionals.

This year’s forum theme is ‘Translating Research into Practice’, with a focus on how lessons from academia can translate into best practice in clinical settings.

The funding package will provide:

• $2.5 million for dementia research grants;
• $1.5 million for community support grants focusing on awareness raising and support for specific needs groups; and
• $150,000 for the promotion of the Dementia Resource Guide.

It is estimated that currently more than 245,000 Australians have dementia (Keeping Dementia Front of Mind: Incidence and Prevalence 2009-2050, Access Economics, August 2009), and nearly one million family members and friends help care for them.

Minister Elliot said: “Research, information and support are essential to provide effective care for our ageing population.

“Australia has one of the longest life expectancies in the English speaking world.

“With longevity comes the greater possibility of dementia and related illnesses, increased numbers of people living with chronic diseases and multiple complex health conditions.

“In the last two years the Rudd Government has provided nearly $225 million to the Dementia Initiative and more than $384 million to the National Respite for Carers Program.

“The Rudd Government is providing ongoing support to the Dementia Initiative, including early intervention programs, training for aged and community care workers, and further research,” Minister Elliot said.

For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on (02) 6277 7280

 

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