HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 142

Research shows that dementia rates dramatically increase with age, with fewer than one person per 1000 Australians under 60 having dementia, but this increases to 71 per 1000 for people aged 75-79, and 429 per 1000 for those aged 90 and over.

Explain how these age-related dementia trends will impact Australia's healthcare system as the population ages. (5 marks)

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The dramatic increase in dementia rates with age demonstrates how population ageing will create exponentially growing demand for specialised dementia care services and memory clinics across Australia.
This occurs because the data shows dementia risk increases more than six-fold between the 75-79 and 90+ age groups, meaning healthcare systems must prepare for substantial increases in patients requiring complex care.
The trend reveals that aged care facilities and hospitals will face increasing pressure to provide specialised dementia units and trained staff as more Australians reach the highest-risk age groups.
This pattern demonstrates that healthcare funding and resource allocation must shift towards dementia-specific services, including community support programs and family carer assistance to manage the growing patient numbers.
Therefore, the exponential nature of age-related dementia risk requires proactive healthcare planning and workforce development to ensure adequate care capacity for future demographic changes in Australian populations.

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The dramatic increase in dementia rates with age demonstrates how population ageing will create exponentially growing demand for specialised dementia care services and memory clinics across Australia.
This occurs because the data shows dementia risk increases more than six-fold between the 75-79 and 90+ age groups, meaning healthcare systems must prepare for substantial increases in patients requiring complex care.
The trend reveals that aged care facilities and hospitals will face increasing pressure to provide specialised dementia units and trained staff as more Australians reach the highest-risk age groups.
This pattern demonstrates that healthcare funding and resource allocation must shift towards dementia-specific services, including community support programs and family carer assistance to manage the growing patient numbers.
Therefore, the exponential nature of age-related dementia risk requires proactive healthcare planning and workforce development to ensure adequate care capacity for future demographic changes in Australian populations.