Dementia ‘is not inevitable’
We are being reminded of the need to ramp up research funding and have a national conversation about dementia.
Billy Joel diagnosed with brain disorder
Singer-songwriter Billy Joel has cancelled all his concerts after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder affecting movement and cognitive function.
Joel, 76, has been having difficulties with his hearing, vision, and balance, and is undergoing physical therapy.
NPH primarily affects people in their 60s and 70s and is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
Symptoms can include difficulty walking, problems with thinking and reasoning, and loss of bladder control.
Joel expressed gratitude for the medical care he is receiving, saying he is committed to his health and hopeful about returning to the stage in the future.
With the correct treatment many people recover from NPH, unlike Alzheimer's and many other dementias for which there is still no cure and treatment options are limited.
Dementia Australia says its research shows that there has been a “sustained and profoundly concerning lack of awareness and understanding about dementia in the community”.
This includes most of us believing, mistakenly, that dementia is a normal part of ageing.
To counter this and other misunderstanding, Dementia Australia is calling for government funding to support greater public awareness about brain health, combined with more targeted and effective supports for people affected by dementia.
About 433,300 Australians are now living with the disease, and this is projected to double within the next 30 years.
AN NSA report, Dementia Experiences Planning and Worry showed that most people (58%) had not thought about or planned for living with dementia, either for themselves or someone they were close to. Planning was much more likely for those who had experience of dementia through relationships with their partners, family or friends.
Data estimates show:
In 2025 there are an estimated 29,000 people living with younger onset dementia, expected to increase to an estimated 41,000 people by 2054
1.7 million people are involved in the care of someone living with dementia
At least half of the people living in permanent residential aged care have dementia.
Pam Eade, who lives with primary progressive aphasia, said the figures highlight the importance of raising awareness of dementia in our communities.
“The lack of knowledge and understanding in our communities has substantial negative impacts on people living with dementia, their families, and carers,” Ms Eade said.
“Low awareness contributes to discrimination, stigma, and isolation. Poor understanding creates barriers to timely diagnosis and to accessing ongoing medical and social care.
“Raising awareness of dementia and educating people about what they can do to reduce their risk of dementia is of paramount importance for all Australians.”
For more details about 2025 dementia prevalence data relevant to federal, state and territory electoral divisions, and local government areas, click here.
Related reading: Dementia Australia
