Professor Henry Brodaty, a prominent brain health specialist from the University of New South Wales, has called on the federal government to intensify its support for dementia research. This plea comes in light of a recent study predicting that dementia could impose a staggering cost of over $7 billion annually on Australia by 2058, highlighting the pressing need for preventive measures.
Addressing the National Press Club, Brodaty emphasised the opportunity to combat Alzheimer’s, asserting that dementia is not an inevitable consequence of aging and that effective strategies exist to delay its onset and progression. Currently, more than 400,000 Australians are living with dementia, costing the economy approximately $3.7 billion each year in direct expenses. Without proactive intervention, this figure is expected to rise significantly within the next few decades.
Brodaty remarked, “There is no quick fix for this crisis, but through intelligent investment in programmes that have been proven to work, we do have pathways to prevention.” He indicated that numerous studies support the idea that the risk of developing dementia can be mitigated without incurring additional costs to the healthcare system, making a compelling case for targeted funding in this area.
Drawing attention to the broader implications, Brodaty pointed out that dementia impacts not only health but also Australia’s economic productivity. With a steadily ageing workforce—19% of which is now aged 55 or over—Australia faces significant challenges from this demographic shift. Brodaty suggested that investing in preventive strategies could not only relieve the financial burden on the health system but also enhance the quality of life for older Australians.
He concluded with a rallying cry for a national initiative dedicated to brain health, one that is informed by research, executed with urgency, and adequately funded to safeguard lives and manage costs effectively. The call to action underscores the necessity for a collective effort to address the looming dementia crisis head-on.