DEMENTIA REMAINS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR WOMEN

Julie Collins MP.
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4 years ago
DEMENTIA REMAINS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR WOMEN
Julie Collins MP
Sadly, for the third year running, dementia is the leading cause of death for women.
 
Dementia also remains the second leading cause of death for Australians.
 
The figures released today by the ABS highlight that more needs to be done to support those Australians living with this terminal condition.
 
ABS data released today confirms 13,963 Australians lost their lives to dementia including 8,973 who were women.
 
In 2018 dementia was the underlying cause of death for more than 38 Australians every day.
 
Deaths due to dementia have increased by 68.6% since 2009.
 
Dementia is not a normal part of ageing – it is a serious and terminal illness that is impacting on and taking the lives of more and more Australians.
 
Labor reaffirms its commitment to fighting the insidious disease of dementia. We know this is an urgent issue and more needs to be done.
 
It is pleasing to see that the Royal Commission into Aged Care has had hearings dedicated to dementia and has heard evidence about the significant impact this condition has on Australians, their family, loved ones and carers.
  
It’s impossible not to feel deeply concerned about the accounts made at the Royal Commission and our thoughts go to those who have conveyed their own or their loved-one’s experiences with dignity and respect.
 
It is clear from the experiences conveyed at the Royal Commission that people need help and more support now. Especially those who choose to age in their own homes.
 
As a starting point, the Morrison Government must fund more high level home care packages now to help support those Australians living with dementia.
 
People living with dementia and their families cannot and should not have to wait while the Government sits idly by for the Royal Commission to hand down its final report in November 2020.
 
Action can be taken now to ensure we continue to invest in research to find a cure, fund more services and do more to make our communities liveable places for people with dementia.
 
It is time for a stronger public focus on dementia and greater leadership from the Morrison Government to bring the community together to fight dementia.
 
Health and Aged Care