Diagnosis to dignity: A vision for Alzheimer’s disease in Australia

October 2024

Diagnosis to dignity: A vision for Alzheimer’s disease in Australia

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most significant health challenges of our time, with the potential to impact millions of Australians and place a substantial strain on our health and aged care systems. Alzheimer’s disease encompasses both mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage where symptoms are less severe, and dementia, which is more advanced and marked by significant cognitive decline.

The opportunity for change

Despite the daunting challenge ahead, the emergence of new diagnostic technologies, and disease modifying treatments, along with increasing evidence on prevention, early diagnosis and dementia management, delivers hope for the first time. Embracing this new paradigm alongside the National Dementia Action Plan, anticipated at the end of 2024, and the recently announced new Aged Care Act, Australia has the opportunity to transform how we approach Alzheimer’s disease, making improved quality of life a more attainable goal.

In 2022, dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, was the second most common cause of death in Australia. [5]

To better understand the challenges faced by those affected, Evohealth collaborated with an expert advisory committee of clinicians, research leaders, and patient advocates in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to author this report. This collective expertise provides invaluable insights into the current landscape and future opportunities for care.

Australians expect and deserve a better and more hopeful future for Alzheimer’s disease, where every aspect of care and support is individually tailored to enhance the experience from diagnosis through to preserving dignity.

Our report Diagnosis to Dignity, proposes seven recommendations to achieve a future where Australians with Alzheimer’s disease live with dignity, supported by compassionate, comprehensive care:

Educate, upskill and support primary care clinicians to identify, diagnose and support individuals and their care/support team throughout the entirety of the disease course.

Develop a national pathway for people with Alzheimer’s disease that includes early diagnosis, intervention and post diagnostic care and support options.

Increase access to cognitive rehabilitation, function, and memory support services within Aged Care Service provision, Health Care Packages, and private support offerings to help people with dementia manage their condition and maintain cognitive health.

Develop and implement national guidance to enable inclusive communities and workplaces for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Invest in a national education and awareness campaign that re-focusses Alzheimer’s disease as a chronic disease that begins decades before symptoms.

Upskill and connect carers to support people with Alzheimer’s disease to stay active in the community.

Invest in research and development commensurate with the Alzheimer’s disease burden.

References

1. Woodward, M., et al., Nationally Informed Recommendations on Approaching the Detection, Assessment, and Management of Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis, 2022. 89(3): p. 803-809.

2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Population Projections, Australia, 2022 (base) – 2071. Catalogue no. 3222.0 2023; Variant B9. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/population-projections-australia/2022-base-2071.

3. Evohealth, Alzheimer’s disease modelling. 2024.

4. Alzheimer’s society, Over half of people fear dementia diagnosis, 62 per cent think it means ‘life is over’. 2016.

5. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of Death, Australia. 2024; Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/latest-release.