The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that the number of elderly dementia sufferers will jump to more than 450,000 by 2031 – a rate that is twice as large as current figures.
According to the Australia's Health 2010 study, among those aged 75 years and over, dementia in Australia is estimated to be the leading cause of the burden of disease among both males and females in 2010. Across all ages it is the fifth highest specific cause of disease burden, accounting for 4% of the total disease burden.
Less risk in the United States
The Journal of Alzheimer's & Dementia found 8.7 percent of participants age 70 and older had cognitive impairment — from significant memory loss to full-blown Alzheimer's disease — compared to 12.2 percent in 1993.
According to a nationwide study co-authored by a Group Health researcher older Americans appear to have significantly less risk of memory loss and dementia than a decade ago. The rationale offered is likely due to people being better-educated, wealthier and receive better health care for cardiovascular disease.
The study found that more years of education may have influenced the prevalence and outcomes of dementia. The proportion of adults 65 and older with a high-school diploma increased from 53 percent in 1990 to 72 percent in 2003. The proportion of those with a college degree increased from 11 percent to 17 percent during the same time period.
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