More than 9000 people in the Lalor electorate are expected to be diagnosed with dementia by 2050, new figures reveal.
Experts predict Lalor will record the greatest percentage increase in Victoria in dementia cases during the next 37 years.
Alzheimer’s Australia Vic data shows 1503 Lalor residents have dementia, and that is expected to increase to 9128 by 2050.
There are 866 dementia cases in Wyndham. Alzheimer’s Australia Vic predicts more than 5000 residents will have the debilitating disease by 2050.
Release of the figures coincides with Dementia Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday and encourages people to lead “brain-healthy” lifestyles to reduce their risk of developing the disease.
South Western Melbourne Medicare Local, which covers Wyndham and Hobsons Bay, is warning that dementia will become a more significant health problem in the next four decades.
Chief executive Gaylene Coulton said the organisation was identifying gaps in local services and working to improve education and awareness.
“Managing the challenges presented by dementia will be a priority and it’s critical that the right programs and services are in place.”
Point Cook’s Jane Koorai watched her mother, Rose McKeown, battle dementia for eight years. She’s hoping support services will receive more funding.
Ms Koorai said carers visited her mother twice-daily and her family was offered respite through ISIS Primary Care, which eased the burden. “It’s not just about memory loss,” she said.
“Dementia is a whole disease and it is time people were aware of that. [My mother] diminished so much it was heartbreaking.”
Alzheimer’s Australia Vic chief executive Maree McCabe urged people to lead healthier lifestyles to delay the disease’s onset.
“It’s never too late to incorporate brain-healthy habits into your lifestyle,’’ she said.
“It can be as simple as going for a walk, eating more vegetables and fruit, or looking after your cholesterol and blood pressure.
“The time to act is now.”
