You may have seen that dementia is now the leading cause of death in the nation. A condition that impacts primarily older people – those diagnosed as well as those who care for them – this should be a focus for the mainland state with the oldest population. In 2024, the nation’s health ministers all signed on to a National Dementia Action Plan, but we believe that a state-based strategy will ensure that South Australia can lead the nation, and ensure that our communities and our systems are set up to support people with dementia to live their best lives.

We’ve been talking to people who are living with the condition and those who care for them. We’ve also been talking with colleagues in organisations like Dementia Australia and Carers SA, and we are certain that there are better ways that we can be approaching dementia. Research tells us that in the wider community, it is the second most feared health condition (after cancer) and the most feared for people over 65. Dementia Australia’s statistics tell us that there are more than 35,800 people living with the condition in SA, each with families and communities contributing to their care. Roughly 2 in 3 of these people are living in their communities, but stigma and misunderstanding is all too common.

Research also tells us that up to 45% of cases might be preventable, by managing risk factors. Getting good sleep, managing diet and exercise, taking care of your hearing and eyesight, sticking within the recommended alcohol intake limits, not smoking or taking illicit drugs – these things can help. A study by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling found that as little as 5% annual reduction in the number of cases of dementia in people over 65 could result in $120.4 billion in savings by 2056.

We all know that our hospital system is struggling, and that ramping is a significant issue. We hear that there are older people ‘blocking’ beds. We know that many of those people are waiting for aged care beds in memory support units. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, people living with dementia are likely to stay five times longer in hospital. We also know that busy, clinical environment of large public hospitals are not good environments for people who may be experiencing hallucinations or high anxiety.

Dementia is a complex issue with wide-reaching implications. It reaches across generations, and is not simply a health issue. With the majority of people with the condition living in the community, better understanding of dementia is in the best interests of all South Australians.